Huanghuali: Exquisite Chinese Antique Furniture

Brief introduction of Huanghuali

Huanghuli (Dalbergia Odorfera), literally "yellow flowering pear", is one of the most precious woods in the world, and predominantly grows on Hainan Island in China. The wood can be used for spices, and also for treatment of hypertension. According to Bencao Gangmu (Material Medical), making tea with the wood powder can lower blood pressure and lipids; pillows made of Huanghuali can relieve tension and improve blood flow. Meanwhile, this hard wood is ideally suited to be shaped into a top classic furniture.

As early as the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D.-907 A.D.), Huanghuali had become a tribute delivered from Hainan to the emperor. In the dynasties of Qing and Ming (1368 A.D.-1911 A.D.), the beauty of Huanghuali attracted collectors. Right now, Huanghuali furniture of the Ming Dynasty is preferred by western museums and the third most favored collectable following Chinese painting and pottery.

Hainan Huanghuali Furniture

Characteristics of Ming's Huanghuali furniture

The features of Tibetan furniture are mainly represented in its shape, proportion and outline. The modeling and proportions of the furniture are basically the shape of the human body. For instance, the width, depth and height of the chair all have to obey strict rules for proportions, so people relax and feel comfortable. An obvious side-angle is one of the most prominent modeling characteristics Ming furniture, which gives a sense of firmness visually. A simple outline, plain structure and components with definite functions for each all combine into an austere and graceful piece of art.