Antique Coffee Tables
If you happen to own an antique set of Chinese dining room furniture and you notice the different kinds of symbols carved on the wood, you might think that these symbols are engraved in there solely for their aesthetic appeal. While it is true that these symbols make the pieces of antique furniture look more beautiful and appealing, especially to Chinese furniture collectors and lovers, there are actually deeper meanings behind all these drawings and symbols.
Look at these basic symbols below and find out what they mean:
Gods – Chinese history dates back to the year 3,000 B.C., as such, it is no surprise that many of the gods and goddesses being represented in the symbols are also linked to the various aspects of human behavior and emotions all throughout these years. The top tier of gods is called the Stellar Triad, while the second tier of gods is called the 8 Immortals. They frequently appear in Chinese art and furniture pieces. These gods represent marriage (Hexiangu), liberation from lust and greed (Lu Dongbin), household peace and harmony (Zaojun), happiness (Xi) and many others.
Animals – Because the culture and history of China also entails the study of the natural world, animals are also represented in the antiques as well. This animal imagery includes monkeys to depict human spirit, bats for good luck, turtles for immortality and other indigenous animals within the region. Each of these animals has a connection as to how each of the gods are also depicted.
Plants (Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers) – These plants are a collective representation of nature that are also often found in antique Chinese furniture. Longevity is represented usually by bamboo, mushrooms, and pine; wealth is represented by flowers; progeny is represented by lotus; and joy is represented by peaches.
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One of the top makers of cabinets during the Victorian era in America was Alexander Roux which is why today, his name commands great respect when it comes to antique Victorian furniture.
He was born in 1813 in France. He was guild-trained, Rococo Revival style, in his native country. In the 1830s , Roux became an immigrant in the United States. Soon after, he opend his first furniture shop in New York City which he labeled “French Cabinet Maker”. This was in 1836. Naturally, the elegance of the French design attracted a lot of American customers thirsting for something new. His business prospered and by the 1850s, he was already employing 120 craftsmen under his wing.
Alexander Roux is known for using new technology in making his furniture pieces. He used steam powered saws and routers which helped make shaping his wood a lot faster. By saving time in this process, he was able to devote more quality time in carving ornate designs into his wood.
Alexander Roux is not just known for using new technologies, but more especially so with Rococo pieces. He did not limit himself with only one kind of popular style though. He diversified and mastered the changing fashions of his day. He did the 1840s Gothic Revival, the Elizabethan and Renaissance style in the 1850s and the Neo-Greco in the 1860s.
Roux continued crafting high quality pieces for wealthy clients like William B. Astor. In 1853, an exhibition of his work took place at the Crystal Palace in New York City. It is no surprise that his business was very profitable and reportedly earned around $500,000 in the 1870s which is a huge amount during that time.
For a well-known furniture maker, Roux married three times and had six read more…
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