At the top-end of the furniture industry is an exceptionally expensive class of work, considered by many to be collectors items, typified by hand carving, called Chinese style furniture.

Chinese people appreciate furniture rich in curved lines. For example, a table leg that curves at the base or a chair's armrest that is engraved in the shape of a dragon's head, both express the Chinese admiration of circular design. The fusion of "life spirit" into the pieces is another one of Chinese furniture's special characteristics. A marble back of a chair engraved with a landscape scene or a bird or flower design, are both examples of the blending of furniture with the environment.

Foreign visitors are mystified and attracted by the "uniqueness" of Chinese style furniture. Tourism brought about the establishment of the industry and tourists are the major patrons of this style of furniture.

To produce hand-carved furniture not only consumes a great deal of time, but also requires superior technical skill. The artisans are the heart of the Chinese style furniture industry. Most of the craftsmen have also received training in blueprint design. As the raw material (lumber) cost is exhorbitantly high, only the "true masters" are able to maximize use of every piece of the solid wood. Wasted wood increases expenses. Beautiful lines, suitable engraved content, and whether or not the carved portion matches the style of the piece of furniture--all rest in the craftsman's precise eye and dexterous hands. Not surprisingly, the entrepreneurs are very courteous to the craftsmen.

Only the finest timber is used by the artisans. The most popular types of wood include: redwood, teak, camphor, and dark and red sandalwood. The first step is to soak the lumber for three years, then it is stacked and left outside to season for three more years. The naturally dried wood is then sent to a kiln for two months, after which it is ready for processing into furniture. The traditional Chinese concept on how the pieces should be assembled dictates that no nails, and only a small amount of glue be used to secure the joints. The completed piece of furniture is then sent for finishing. After the finish has dried, fine brushes are used to paint the detail.

In modern society this type of craftsmanship is fast becoming a relic of the past. As supply is low, prices are prohibitively high, and its export potential is limited. In the past most sales were limited to European and American tourists interested in rare curios to take back home.

Although product output is low, Chinese style furniture is still a lucrative business. Hong Kong, mainland China, even northern Europe, France, and the United States are all engaged in manufacturing this style of furniture. The present worldwide trend is to alter designs to conform with modern-day lifestyles and needs. For example, traditional chairs were designed with a narrow seat as Chinese people commonly sat erect on the front part of the chair to show respect to their elders. Today's society is more casual; people want a wider, more comfortable chair.

In terms of the export furniture market, Chinese style furniture, being relatively expensive, only occupies a small proportion of the total furniture export market. If this industry is to play a larger role in the export market, then the production rate must be increased without adversely affecting either the quality of the furniture or the lumber transformation process.

At this point large scale exporting is not feasible. Its future depends on whether these "traditional" manufacturers can step into the "modern" world of furniture production.

(Craig Scott Galper)

[Picture Caption]

Improved Chinese style furniture combines traditional and modern tastes.

1,2,3. Chinese style furniture portrays many types of "people" and "bird painting" scenes. 1,3. A beautiful Chinese style screen. 2. A portion of a tabletop. 4,5,6. Chinese style furniture features exquisite engraving work. 4,5. A close-up view of a closet and a screen. 6. The detailed engraving of living room furniture.

1. Redwood carved furniture (supplied by Ricardo Lynn Co.). 2. Antique Chinese-style screens.

1,2,3. Chinese style furniture portrays many types of "people" and "bird painting" scenes. 1,3. A beautiful Chinese style screen.

2. A portion of a tabletop.

1,2,3. Chinese style furniture portrays many types of "people" and "bird painting" scenes. 1,3. A beautiful Chinese style screen.

4,5,6. Chinese style furniture features exquisite engraving work. 4,5. A close-up view of a closet and a screen.

4,5,6. Chinese style furniture features exquisite engraving work. 4,5. A close-up view of a closet and a screen.

6. The detailed engraving of living room furniture.

1. Redwood carved furniture （supplied by Ricardo Lynn Co.）

2. Antique Chinese-style screens.