| The evolution of man paved the way for the | | | | woods they used when making their furniture then. |
| evolution of things around him as well, including | | | | These three types of wood are known for creating |
| furniture. Furniture has been part of man's life | | | | very good lumber, specially in terms of strength and |
| throughout the ages and when it comes to its | | | | density. On top of the three, the Chinese also made |
| history, the Chinese have made an indelible mark. | | | | fabulous pieces made of bamboo. |
| Ancient Chinese used to sit or kneel on the floors of | | | | The artistry of Chinese was clearly reflected in their |
| their homes but in the period between 471-221 BC, | | | | unique, elaborate and meticulous furniture designs, |
| they started to make furniture such as beds and | | | | especially those that were created and perfected |
| mats. From then on, they started making lots of | | | | during the Ching and Ming dynasties. But people then |
| beds and mats which were then used especially by | | | | did not care much about this and furniture as an art |
| royal families and dynasties. Elegant furniture designs | | | | was only recognized at the time when communism |
| reached their heights during the Ming dynasty. By the | | | | rose in the country. Foreigners, however, were |
| time of the Ching dynasty, a more elaborate and | | | | already taking notice and managed to get hold of |
| extravagant pieces were created. Until now, most of | | | | some of their most fabulous creations which can now |
| the furniture designs that emerged during these two | | | | be found in various museums around the world, |
| periods are still evident in furniture we have today. | | | | including Victoria and Albert Museums in London. In |
| China's wealth of natural resources can be viewed as | | | | Beijing's Palace Museum, some of these creations are |
| one of the major reasons for the Chinese furniture | | | | displayed today. |
| industry's great developments. Wood has been the | | | | Over the years, the Chinese have shown their love |
| most common material used by the Chinese for their | | | | for beauty and art through their unique culture which |
| craft. China is a country rich with natural resources | | | | is reflected in the variety of designs and styles they |
| most of its furniture was influenced by this, wood | | | | have created in their furniture. Their choice of |
| has been the major material for their craft. Huganhuali | | | | materials also speak of their ingenuity that is |
| mu (yellow flower pear wood), jichi mu (phoenix tail | | | | comparable with that of other foremost artists in any |
| or chicken wing wood) and zitan mu (dark-purple | | | | other part of the globe. |
| sandlewood) were the most precious and important | | | | |