Classical furniture collection considerations
The trend of collecting classical furniture is growing stronger, with traditional Chinese home elements becoming increasingly popular. "Old furniture" from Amoy has become a fashion statement and even an investment. Interestingly, European antique furniture is now also entering the Chinese market, competing for attention.
When it comes to collecting classical furniture, there are three key points to keep in mind:
First, don’t just focus on the material or age. Some pieces with high artistic value and excellent craftsmanship are equally worth collecting. Many people today mistakenly believe that the value of furniture lies solely in the type of wood used. There's a common misconception that any piece made of huanghuali or rosewood will automatically increase in value, no matter how expensive it is. This is a typical example of overemphasizing material.
Another common belief is that older is always better. However, this isn't necessarily true. Evaluating classical furniture should be comprehensive. Its value depends on multiple factors such as rarity, material quality, artistic merit, recognition, and preservation condition.
Second, when purchasing, pay close attention to the evaluation. It’s easy to be deceived, so Hu Desheng, an expert from the Palace Museum and Beijing Wenbao Cultural Relics Appraisal Center, advises buyers to purchase classical furniture with the help of professionals in the field. He notes that most classical furniture seen in big stores today is actually antique-style furniture, not genuine antiques. While these pieces still have collectible and aesthetic value, they aren’t the same as authentic historical pieces.
Third, don’t rely solely on books. To truly understand classical furniture, one must go to the market, compare different items, and gain hands-on experience. This helps develop a more accurate sense of judgment.
Hu Desheng, a renowned expert in ancient furniture, emphasizes the difference between Ming Dynasty furniture and Ming-style furniture. These are two distinct concepts. Ming Dynasty furniture refers to pieces produced during the Ming era, while Ming-style furniture is a modern interpretation that captures the essence and style of the time. Only those pieces that clearly reflect the characteristics of their era are considered the best for collection.
He also reminds collectors to educate themselves on the basics and consider the cultural and artistic value of each piece based on their budget. Blindly collecting without understanding can lead to poor choices.
Choosing the right classical furniture is a professional task. For ordinary collectors, Hu Desheng offers a simple yet effective method known as the "three-step approach." First, observe the piece from five meters away. Then, look at its design from three meters. Finally, inspect the details up close within one meter. If a piece passes all three stages, it’s likely a good choice.
For example, when examining a rosewood dragon carving, standing five meters away, you should feel a strong visual impact due to its elegant lines and overall harmony. Getting closer, within three meters, you can assess its style and form. After spending three minutes observing, don’t rush to buy—take your time and compare. The final step is to check the material up close: ensure the lines are smooth, the wood is real, the craftsmanship is fine, the carvings are detailed, and the finish is well done.
Additionally, pay attention to the wood grain and whether it has been waxed. If the paint is too thick and shiny, it may indicate restoration or tampering. After going through these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions when buying classical furniture.
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