China Collection: Online Gallery - Sideboards - Black cabinet - Tianjin cabinet Qing Dynasty

Revival and Collapse

Hongwu(1368-1398)
Yongle(1403-1424)
Kangxi(1661-1722)
Qianlong(1736-1795)
Ming Dynasty : 1368 - 1644
The rebel leader Hung-Wu, also called Chu Yuan-chang, established the Ming Dynasty after throwing out the Mongols in 1368 A.D., but his power was still fairly weak after the Mongol invasion. His rule extended only from the Great Wall to the east of Tibet - smaller borders than modern China or than in T’ang Dynasty China, on which he  modelled his government by trying to keep as power centralised, and especially in his own hands Read more

About woods Most hardwood trees grow in hot climates, especially in tropical areas.  Much of the hardwood found in Chinese furniture, then, was not native to China but was introduced to the country through trade.  It is not only the beauty of the wood that gives Chinese furniture its value, however.  It is treasured for the meticulous craftsmanship, joinery and design that went into the pieces, as well as its cultural significance.   In contrast, for example, new and old furniture pieces found in Vietnam and made of the world’s most valuable wood, Zitan, can be purchased Read more