Ming furniture exhibition opens in Beijing

A pair of huanghuali high yoke-back armchairs.

"It can't be more appropriate to pair the Ming-style furniture with these paintings. The furniture's refined glow and the paintings' vibrant colors coexist in harmony," says Qiao Hao, head of Guardian's furniture department.

Wang, a founder of the study of Ming-style furniture, wrote several books about his research of classic Chinese furniture carpentry and design. His definition of the Ming-style furniture refers to those made of valuable wood during the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

"The furniture was not massively produced but made to order for an individual. Scholars were fully involved in the design process and the furniture pieces differ from one another in measures and details," Qiao says.

A Ming-period sloping-stile and wood-hinged cabinet on show represents ingenious design and excellent woodwork.

The four legs slope slightly outward to give the cabinet an "A" shape - and a sense of balance and stability. The cabinet is elevated off the ground to keep the books inside away from humidity.

More details in design enliven it with touches of elegance. The copper door handles look like jade droppings, and together with the inlaid metal plates which they are attached to and the lock receptacles, they demonstrate the exquisite handicraft of that time.

Most surviving Ming-style furniture was made of the huanghuali wood, which belongs to the rosewood family. The tree grows slowly. Its wood is strong and heavy, featuring a surface of natural polish and refined colors. It presents distinctive levels and vivid, smooth textures after being waxed.