Our Homes Today

Made in China

Our Homes Today

Drum painted with favourite plant studies. Photography: Wayne Martin.

As China grandstands the Olympics Our Homes Today decided to track down quality design that has evolved from this Asian giant.

Many modern products manufactured in China are mass-produced and of low quality but when digging a little deeper it is possible to find antique furniture and décor items to embellish contemporary and classical homes.

Since 1966 the Cultural Revolution has taken its toll on Chinese artisans and artifacts.  Under the rule of Mao Zedong the Red Guards campaigned to destroy the Four Olds – prior Chinese objects, customs, habits and ideas.  It has been said that priceless historical works of art were considered dangerous items of a dangerous past and that the new direction led to the persecution of many of China’s finest artists and craftsmen.

Genuine antique items making their way out of China are increasingly difficult for dealers to source with many being found in remote rural areas such as Mongolia and Tibet.  They are often difficult to authenticate with master craftsmen manufacturing very good replicas.

Red paint from Cultural Revolution.

With renewed appreciation for history and culture, Chinese regulations now prohibit export of antique objects pre-dating 1795.  Antiques are also graded to indicate the heritage status of pieces and if they can be exported.

After living in Macau, south China for five years Richard and Geraldine Jamieson established Bellewood in Drury where they specialise in fine antique Chinese furniture.

Richard says a lot of antique furniture was an everyday fixture in Chinese homes and now many Kiwis throughout New Zealand appreciate these traditional ‘objet d’art’ in their modern homes.

Richard says pieces of heavy timber cabinetry in dark colours works well as a main feature of a room with little else detracting from the bold statement.  He recommends treating items as if they were pieces of art and says some customers have designed homes around ancient masterpieces such as two- metre tall doors.

Simplicity typical of Ming Dynasty.

In centuries past timbers with impressive grains such as elm, cyprus, cedar, camphor and walnut were typically schellacked.  However, during the Cultural Revolution furniture was often painted red with many such objects now exhibiting considerable wear and tear acquired from years of daily use.  Today Chinese craftsmen give sideboards, tables and cupboards a luxurious glow by restoring and re-shellacking surfaces.

Authentic pieces should be devoid of nails and joints are glued and dovetailed, while wooden will be crafted from timber dowel.  Ingenious locking mechanisms and discreet compartments add intrigue.

The core design of antique Chinese furniture changed little over hundreds of years other than materials, proportions and embellishments.

Panels were often decorated with paintings of landscapes or studies of plants, animals or nature; all favourite subjects of Chinese artists.  Symbols and signs embellishing architecture, furniture and everyday items revolved around good fortune and positive elements.

Intricate carving of Qing Dynasty.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) furniture was simple with straight lines and enhanced with shaped and beaded corners and borders.  In the following Qing Dynasty more decorative designs were ornately carved into surfaces.  Both styles were influenced during the 19th century by trade with the West and it is these pieces which are typically found in New Zealand dealerships.

More recently political policies and international market forces have driven Chinese manufacturers into tacky mass-production.  Breaking down barriers with events such as the Olympics is forging a new generation that values creative design and quality goods.  Undoubtedly this mega-population is bracing itself for a successful Great Leap Forward.