In traditional Chinese homes, it was customary to sit on the floor rather than use chairs. Chinese furniture has been greatly influenced by its predecessors in earlier times such as the Tang dynasty, Song dynasty and the Ming dynasty. Construction of chairs was mainly based on the frame and panel design. (Sullivan, 2000)
Stools were first introduced during the Tang dynasty. This was a foreign practice that was adopted from interaction with outside communities therefore replacing the ancient practice of sitting on the floor. Raised seating was first experienced in this dynasty, proof of why the custom changed cannot however be found. The yoke back chairs as well as round chairs were first seen here. These chairs were mostly used by members of the society that were elite. (Ecke, 1986)
The use of varying forms of furniture spread throughout common society during the Song dynasty such as chairs, stools, benches among other types of furniture. Complex designs were limited to the more elite members of society. Here some of the designs that were introduced were recessed legs as well as waisted tables. (Ecke, 1986)
The flourishing of Chinese furniture was at its peak during the Ming dynasty period. Designers embraced beautiful curvature and were so good that the use of nails and glue became merely for show. Most of the designs employed during the Ming dynasty influenced Western designs. For instance, the curved backrest was introduced in China way before the rest of the world both for comfort as well as aesthetic value. (Sullivan, 2000)
The furniture during this dynasty was made from zelkova, elm and pine. Tropical hardwoods also started being used when the ban on imports was lifted. The chairs designed were graceful in their simplicity which made them become more than just functional objects but also objects of beauty.
References:
Ecke G. (1986) Chinese Domestic Furniture in Photographs and Measured Drawings. pp XV-XXXIII, Dover Publications Inc.
Sullivan M. (2000) The Arts of China. University of California Press.
