Antique appeal

Traditional Chinese wooden furniture is categorized into three main styles — Beijing, Canton (today known as Guangzhou in southern Guangdong province) and Suzhou in eastern Jiangsu province.

"Canton-style integrates Chinese and Western influences, showcasing a diverse and inclusive range of designs. Suzhou-style is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and understated elegance while Beijing-style, originally used in imperial courts, combines the opulent material use of Canton-style with the intricate workmanship of Suzhou-style, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects of furniture," explains Ou Shengchun, 65, who has dedicated over 40 years to designing and creating classical wooden furniture.

Alongside his work, Ou also curates a collection of classical Chinese furniture from both domestic and international sources.

"Our passion for classical furniture remains undiminished, and we continue to be inspired by the wisdom and skills of ancient artisans," he says.

Since 2018, Ou has been preparing to open an exhibition hall in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, gathering antique furniture pieces and related materials from around the world.

In May, the exhibition hall officially opened to the public, offering free admission. Exhibits on display introduce the history of traditional Chinese furniture, and the craft and culture of traditional woodworking, as well as the collection of Wang Shixiang (1914-2009), a well-known scholar of traditional Chinese furniture.