Appreciate the beauty and diversity of classical Chinese furniture with this comprehensive and spectacularly illustrated guide. The international market for antique Chinese furniture is booming, and masterpieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Classical Chinese Furniture presents these collectibles, from the most sought after hardwood pieces to more widely available softwood specimens, and takes the mystery out of furniture appraisal. Includes an overview of special construction and decoration techniques of different eras and covers such topics as: *Carving styles and wood types *Motifs and their symbolic meaning *Regional variations and class distinctions *Restoration techniques Hundreds of elegant photographs highlight the stylistic elements of traditional Chinese furniture along with detailed descriptions, line drawings, and estimated prices-which are useful when hunting for collectibles. The book also provides expert advice on how to differentiate genuine articles from the fakes. Classic Chinese furniture can be integrated into various types of dA(c)cor. So whether you are a serious collector, a nostalgic lover of the classics, or a design trend setter, Classical Chinese Furniture will prove to be an invaluable resource.