For centuries the Chinese used paper covered wooden lattice grilles in their windows. The lattice was often painted in black or dark red lacquer and decorated with gilt flowers and ornament. As the paper was translucent it was the shadow of the lattice design that was the window feature instead of actual views of the outside world.
Old Doors & Screens
antique door furniture, antique doors, castle doors, China, Chinese antique doors, Chinese architecture, old door, screens
Where can I find good books on Chinese wood carvings, screens and architectural elements?
A recommended selection of the best books to read for those wanting to learn more and/or research about Chinese wood carvings, screens and architectural elements
Traditional Chinese houses – from the countryside into the city (with million dollar profits too)
Very interesting article in the China daily talking about the resale market for Ming and Qing dynasty Chinese traditional homes which are disassembled, transported, repaired and then resold to restaurants, clubs or wealthy collectors. Now this is an interesting topic which I could easily get lost in as it just touches on so many interesting elements from Hui Zhou […]
Old wooden doors
Quick follow up, on a prior post about antique doors and antique door furniture. Was pokin around on Flickr again and noticed just how many great photos of old doors there ( along with a few good ideas on how to use them, including for sculpture).
Guide to old Chinese antique doors and Chinese old door panels, from collection to restoration.
I was in the warehouse just a few days ago, looking over a batch of antique door panels which just came in and it really reminded me just how cool some of these pieces are, especially the iron hardware, the various textures, and the overall character and charm of these bits of history. In the […]
Trend Guide: Rustic furniture made from reclaimed elm and other salvaged woods
Reclaimed & salvaged materials are environmentally friendly in that there are no new trees cut down to make the piece. Sources of wood may be old railroad ties, beams from old houses that have been demolished or even old doors. Old elm tends to be a favorite as Elm in fairly common in China.