Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china

antique chinese chairs and tea tables 300x214 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china antique chinese armchairs 300x225 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china

This particular image was taken from Ralphrepo’s photo stream on flicker and it apparently comes from a book called “The Face Of China As Seen By Photographers & Travelers 1860-1912.” He has a much longer and interesting commentary with a snip in which the furniture itself is mentioned. “Socially, the furniture belies a family of some affluence. The wooden foot stools at the time were used not for the height challenged but rather to provide insulation against having to put one’s feet onto a cold and unheated floor.”

Chinese Antique Wedding Bridal Sedan Chair 300x209 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china chinese sedan chair for weddings 225x300 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china

This  image of a Sedan Chair, is entitled “Bride On Her Way To Wedding, Fuzhou Fujian China” and was taken from Ralphrepo’s photo stream (if you are wondering about the basket, think “wedding veil”).

Chinese drop leaf or gateleg table 300x281 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china Antique chinese drop leaf or gateleg table2 300x240 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china

This stereoview image also comes from Flickr, this time from Wolfgang Wiggers photostream. It was taken Guangzhou in the  1860′ies (more commonly known at that time as “canton”). Notice the gate leg or “drop-leaf” table seen in the center background

colonial shanghai era antique vanity 300x286 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china Colonial era shanghai hong mu vanity dreser 214x300 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china

Another interesting image from Ralphrepo, in which a side view of a vanity can be seen. This particular image was also taken in Canton in 1868 by John Thomson.

colonial chinese sidetable shanghai style 300x220 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china antique colonial chinese sidetable shanghai style 225x300 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china

From a German photographic album with photographs from the Tsingtau (Qingdao) area around 1900. This  image also comes from Wolfgang Wiggers flickr page.

1282799036 4 300x252 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china antique chinese farm table wine table 300x228 Chinese furniture in B&W: historical perspectives from old china

A bit of a gruesome image, this photo was taken in the early 1900′s during the boxer rebellion. Nevertheless it it shows a very common long bench and farm table in a typical environment. This particular one has been modified to suite modern use by shortening the depth. The inset stone panel is not original.

Read the rest of this entry »

A a vivid example of artistic nudes, photography & chinese antiques

I came across these amazing photos on a Chinese website (though unfortunately I do not know who the photographer is). Now, normally this blog is about Chinese Antiques and the ethnic home furnishings industry (and me complaining about the headache of dealing with Chinese suppliers) but I thought these photos were a great reminder of what initially interested us in this industry. Things like Chinese culture, art, beauty, appreciation, color and texture – all things these photos possess. And they really do encompass both Chinese culture and photography/art. By the way, judging from the carvings on the screens and the overall feel of the environment these photos were probably taken in the south of China.

81.thumbnail A a vivid example of artistic nudes, photography & chinese antiques4.thumbnail A a vivid example of artistic nudes, photography & chinese antiques
Read the rest of this entry »

The specialists guide to Chinese antiques is Stephen Fry proof thanks to caching by WP Super Cache