Types of Chinese Antique
Chinese antiques are diverse and hold immense historical and cultural significance. Here are some of the most notable types:
1. Chinese Ceramics and Porcelain: Known for its fine craftsmanship, Chinese porcelain has a rich history. Famous types include:
Blue and White Porcelain: A hallmark of Ming and Qing dynasties, often decorated with intricate blue designs.
Famille Rose: A type of porcelain with vibrant colors, developed during the Qing dynasty.
Tang Sancai: Tri-colored glazed pottery, often found in tombs from the Tang dynasty.
2. Chinese Furniture: Traditional Chinese furniture is valued for its intricate designs and craftsmanship, often made from hardwoods like rosewood and huanghuali. Some popular pieces include:
Cabinets and Chests: Common in various dynasties, often featuring detailed carvings and inlaid designs.
Lacquered Furniture: Furniture coated with lacquer for both durability and beauty, often featuring gold or colorful designs.
3. Chinese Jade: Jade has been highly revered in China for thousands of years, and antique jade items are prized for their craftsmanship and cultural symbolism. Common forms include:
Jade Pendants: Carved into intricate shapes, representing various symbols.
Jade Bi Discs: Circular jade discs used in rituals and as symbols of heaven and earth.
4. Chinese Paintings: Traditional Chinese paintings, especially those done with ink, are highly collectible. The most notable styles include:
Shan Shui (Mountain-Water) Painting: Focused on landscapes and natural beauty.
Flower-and-Bird Paintings: Depicting floral and avian life, often with symbolic meanings.
5. Chinese Calligraphy: Handwritten Chinese characters, often created by scholars, are considered highly collectible. Antique calligraphy pieces are cherished for their beauty and historical value.
6. Chinese Bronze: Ancient Chinese bronzes, often in the form of vessels, ritual items, or weapons, are some of the earliest forms of Chinese antiques. They were typically used in ceremonies and are valued for their historical significance.
7. Chinese Cloisonné: An enamelwork technique that involves setting colored enamel into metal shapes. Cloisonné items include vases, plates, and jewelry, often decorated with intricate designs.
8. Chinese Buddhist Art: Includes statues, carvings, and religious items associated with Buddhism, dating back to different dynasties and often depicting Buddhist figures, deities, and symbols.
9. Chinese Textiles: Antique Chinese textiles, such as silk robes, embroidered tapestries, and banners, are prized for their intricate designs and fine materials.
10. Chinese Wood Carvings: Wood carvings, often depicting scenes from mythology, nature, or historical events, are common in furniture, religious statues, and decorative items.
Famous Chinese Antiques Store
There are a number of famous antique stores in China that specialize in rare and valuable antiques, particularly those that reflect China’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Some notable ones include:
1. Poly Auction (Beijing, Hong Kong) – A leading auction house dealing in Chinese art, antiques, and collectibles. They hold prestigious auctions featuring Chinese ceramics, jade, and paintings.
2. Sotheby’s Hong Kong – Known for its global reach, Sotheby’s in Hong Kong also deals in high-end Chinese antiques, including ancient ceramics, jade, and imperial pieces.
3. Antique Market in Panjiayuan (Beijing) – A massive outdoor market that’s often called the “Dirt Market.” It’s a popular destination for antique hunters and collectors looking for everything from traditional Chinese furniture to old scrolls and ceramics.
4. Shanghai Antiques Market (Shanghai) – A great place to find a wide variety of antiques, including traditional Chinese art, ceramics, and furniture. The market is known for both its genuine antiques and some high-quality replicas.
5. Liulichang Street (Beijing) – A historic street known for its antique shops specializing in calligraphy, paintings, Chinese seals, books, and various artifacts, many of which date back to imperial China.