The other interesting thing to note about benches is how varied they are by size and by style. Benches produced in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) are valuable antiques now. These benches are beautifully constructed and made from the finest wood. Similar benches can be found in major museum collections throughout the world. Benches that are used by the less privileged are often found in antique shops all around the globe, and can often be purchased at low and reasonable prices. The techniques used to construct benches don’t vary much at all between twentieth-century models and the oldest models known. Benches that were constructed 500 years ago may show strikingly similar styles to benches made only 50 years ago.

Because the basic form of a bench is simple, Chinese antique benches are often found in western homes. The antique bench from China works well with contemporary pieces and can be used in many ways as well. Most of the people use one bench each at both the ends of a sofa. Single benches are frequently used as side tables beside arm chairs. Benches are often seen utilized as attractive and functional cocktail tables. In other words, Chinese antique benches are used today in western style houses with the same variety of uses as found in China.

In what ways may benches be differentiated from stools? There can be many different answers to that question. The commonly viewed interpretation of the differences between the two forms of furniture is that a stool would be a seat for one person and a bench for more than one.

A Chinese bench or other piece of furniture certainly catches the eye. Appreciation of antique furniture in China, as something other than simply used household goods, is new. Eastern societies, in contrast to many Western cultures, often did not value old or antique furniture. Therefore, old furniture did not get the same kind of protection and care as old furniture may have in other societies. Hardwood floors are difficult to find in many parts of China. Inside furniture absorbed moisture via its legs a lot of the time; additionally heating was more sporadic, thus the furnishings were subject to a greater amount of changes in temperature than might have been the circumstances in western locations. These observations are true, of course, for all Chinese antique furniture, and they are mentioned here only because many of the old benches available in the West have repairs and evidence of moisture having been absorbed through the legs. It is common to find evidence of repairs in most pieces of Chinese furniture.

Antique or vintage wooden benches are often refinished before being offered for sale. Refinishing, of course, does not remove all the signs of use, and the nice part about refinished Chinese furniture is that the woods frequently used have highly attractive grain patterns. Fixing and refinishing doesn’t matter to a regular individual who wants merely to have beautiful antique furnishings for their house. Only those who subscribe to the collecting school of “Buy it ratty and leave it alone” will object.

Asian furniture, with its classic, traditional beauty enhances both home and business settings for the owner. Regardless of whether they reflect the glory of the King Dynasty or any other bygone era, the obviously exquisite craftsmanship in the design and manufacture of this furniture is sure to please your eye and delight your senses. Its greatest characteristic is that a good majority of it was prepared with the intention of making it last for a long time without the usual signs of aging, such as going out of shape or developing related faults. Purchasing Asian furniture is a long-term commitment, and you are sure to enjoy your new piece of furniture for years to come.

There are many symbols used in the making of Asian furniture. Whether you are looking for a particular style of furnishings or want to explore what the markings and symbols mean on the Asian furniture that you have already obtained, you can find many glossaries through the Internet, or even ask one of your local antique dealers who specializes in Chinese furniture. From fruits, flowers and vegetables to gods, animals or even other symbols such as inanimate objects or earthly properties, there is much to be learned from the markings and symbols.

Many manufacturers and retailers of Asian furniture will provide buyers with authenticity certificates at the time of purchase, while others will only provide them if asked. Before you put down your money for a final furniture purchase for your collection, be sure to ask whatever questions you may have and to get whatever documentation you may need. Import duty costs can be reduced by using Authenticity certificates on any occasion.

It is important to know that there are big differences between genuine antiques and furniture pieces that are fake or reproduced/refurbished. Antiques are considered as real, authentic, and original pieces of furniture, as they are modified or refurbished only to repair the aging effects or improve their utility for modern owners. If you are considering an investment in a certain piece of antique Chinese furniture, and if you have any doubts, do a little research on the item before buying. Take the time to get to know the many types of styles of Asian furniture so that you are sure you find a piece that will fit your decor perfectly.

Finally! The whole unbiased truth about Asian furniture exposed. You owe it to yourself to visit www.chineseantiquefurnitureshop.com and get the facts today.

Oriental furniture often include carvings of objects that symbolize the many ancient Gods in Chinese cultural history. Since Chinese history dates back to the year 3,000 BC, it is no surprise that many of the gods and goddesses represented in the symbols are linked to the many different cultural aspects of human behavior over the years. Human emotions dictate how these gods will be depicted. There are two tiers of Gods, the top tier known as the Stellar Triad and the second tier referred to as the 8 Immortals. Oftentimes, evidence of them are seen in antiques and art. Examples of gods, and what they symbolize, are: Hexiangu (Marital Union), Lu Dongbin (Freer of greed and lust), Zaojun (Tranquility in the domestic establishment), Xi(happiness), etc.

Animals: With a good amount of Chinese cultural history being associated with knowledge of the natural world, it is easy to see why so many animals show up in the antiques. Many of these symbols, which depict animals that are uniquely indigenous to China, have a special significance – monkeys for human spirit; bats for good luck; and turtles that represent immortality. Each and every animal is connected to a specific trait in a manner no different than how gods are depicted.

While representations of flowers, fruits and vegetables make it seem like these symbols fall into many different categories, they really serve to represent the entire vast collective of the natural world itself that is so prevalent in these antiques. While many of these symbols are varied, a number of them have the same meaning because – as mentioned – they are tied back to the representation of the singular entity of nature. Longevity is represented by a number of different items, such as bamboo, pine, and mushrooms. And longevity is, of course, linked heavily to the natural world. Other common depictions include flowers for wealth, peach for joy, and lotuses for progeny.

There are other miscellaneous symbols that make their way into the antiques and artwork of China. Coins (wealth), water ripples (also wealth), fans (goodness), and the simple vase (peace) are all common symbols that are prevalent. Naturally, there are even more symbols than those shown, and their symbolism extends to many different ideas.

These magnificent engravings, which are a true joy to the eye, only add to the astounding aesthetic value of these antiques, which were already greatly prized by most collectors in the first instance. This is why their inclusion is so welcome and increases the popularity of the items to a great degree.