Celebrate the beauty of spring with Chinese painted furniture
Spring has arrived, and what better way to celebrate the arrival of this beautiful season than exploring the nature-inspired motifs used in Chinese painted cabinets and sideboards? Here at Shimu our range of antique Chinese furniture includes a selection of unique sideboards and cabinets, many of which are decorated in intricate floral patterns, designed to replicate the beauty of the natural world. We never fail to feel inspired by these stunning pieces of furniture and find the symbolism and meaning of the designs fascinating. With this in mind, we thought we’d take the opportunity to give you an insight into the wonderful world of symbolism in Chinese furniture design.
The history of floral designs in Chinese furniture making
Chinese painted sideboards and cabinets are renowned for their intricate designs and exquisite craftsmanship. These exquisite pieces are often made from a variety of materials such as hardwood, lacquer, and bamboo. The history of Chinese painted furniture dates back to the Tang dynasty (618-907) and has continued to evolve over the centuries.
As already mentioned, one of the defining characteristics of Chinese painted furniture is the use of floral and natural designs inspired by the world around us. These designs often have deep symbolic meaning that reflects Chinese culture and beliefs. For example, the peony is a popular motif in Chinese painted furniture and represents wealth and prosperity. The lotus flower is another popular motif, symbolising purity and enlightenment, whilst pictures of pomegranates, which are symbolic of fertility and children, can often be found on traditional wedding cabinets.
In addition to floral designs, Chinese painted cabinets and sideboards often features designs based on the animal world. For example, furniture may feature depictions of dragons, which are considered to be powerful and auspicious creatures in Chinese culture. The dragon is often depicted alongside the phoenix, which represents harmony and balance.
Again inspired by nature, landscapes depicting mountains, rivers, and other natural elements and another popular theme. Landscape designs are often used on screens and cabinets, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere in the room.
Many Chinese painted furniture designs also incorporate calligraphy, which is considered to be a high art form in China. Calligraphy is used to add poetic and philosophical elements to the furniture, and the characters themselves often hold symbolic meaning.
As regular readers of our blog will already know, Chinese painted furniture is often made using traditional techniques, such as hand-carving and hand-painting. Furniture is often finished with coats of lacquer, which not only adds a lustrous shine but also protects the furniture from damage. A lacquer finish also helps to highlight the beauty and intricacy of painted designs, showcasing the vibrant colours, and the skill of the artist.
Although our ever-changing selection of antique Chinese furniture includes pieces dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries or even earlier and their painted designs may look a little faded and worn, we think this simply adds to their charm and originality, whilst offering a wonderful way to bring a touch of unique history to your contemporary home.
Chinese painted furniture is a beautiful and unique art form that reflects the rich culture and beliefs of China. The use of floral motifs and designs inspired by nature, along with calligraphy and traditional techniques, creates a sense of harmony and balance in the furniture. Each piece of Chinese painted furniture is not only a functional item of furniture but also a work of art that can be appreciated for its beauty and symbolism. So if you’re looking for a stylish and unique way to bring a fresh, spring-like feeling into your home, we hope you’ll agree that Chinese painted cabinets and sideboards offer a timeless and elegant option.
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