| The west's fascination with Oriental furniture was | | | | intricate Oriental decor traditionally seen in the |
| evident when explorers returned home with intricate | | | | palaces. Combined with influences from Tibet, |
| pieces of china furniture. Carved lacquer boxes with | | | | furniture pieces appeared with beautiful painted |
| intricate inlay and designs were popular gifts amongst | | | | designs. Cabinets and wardrobes with paintings |
| the 18th century gentry and larger trunks with their | | | | reflecting idealised oriental scenes appeared, often |
| stylised brass locks were ideal storage boxes for | | | | the colours reflecting the gorgeous dyes used in |
| every part of a high-society home as they were | | | | Chinese silk that was also now being widely exported |
| often ornate or beautifully coloured. | | | | around the world. |
| Gradually, larger and larger pieces emerged reflecting | | | | Today, Oriental furniture remains as popular as ever |
| different periods of Chinese history. Early pieces from | | | | in the West. Antique oriental furniture can set the |
| the 2nd century AD demonstrate the Orient's own | | | | enthusiast back thousands, but for modest budgets |
| interest in foreign design with high-backed chairs | | | | there are a number of companies that specifically |
| appearing in the Emperor's palaces where previously | | | | import oriental furniture from traditional craftsmen. A |
| stools and arm rests had stood. Raised platforms | | | | growing trend has been to blend oriental and western |
| placed the elite above the common man and | | | | designs so that functionality of 21st century living is |
| gradually turned into dining tables and bed platforms. | | | | combined with the simplicity and beauty of oriental |
| During the Ming period a previous ban on importing | | | | lines. Because this furniture can often be custom-built |
| hard wood into China was lifted and this resulted in | | | | the results can be dramatic and a re particularly |
| new and sophisticated joinery techniques emerging | | | | suitable for home that seek an eclectic mix of |
| that could not have been used on the indigenous soft | | | | furniture but who still require the practicality of |
| woods. The use of hard wood meant more open, | | | | utilising small living spaces. Chinese screens can be |
| elegant forms of furniture could be designed which | | | | used to separate lounge/dining areas, cabinets can be |
| found homes in the growing wealthy merchant | | | | made to house televisions and home entertainment |
| classes. | | | | units, ornate Chinese trunks make ideal storage but |
| The focus of oriental furniture has always been on | | | | can also double up as coffee tables. The choices are |
| simplicity while still maintaining aesthetic appeal. | | | | so varied that anyone with a love of the orient can |
| However, Western influences soon saw furniture | | | | today find a piece of this beautiful world in their |
| being produced for a new European market that | | | | home. |
| demanded furniture produced with reflections of the | | | | |