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The Connoisseur - Chinese Antique Chairs
Page 4
not appreciated without the existence of
bitterness.
The Chinese understood well the existence of
different and opposing elements in the
universe. They accepted this and developed a
standard of aesthetics based on an
understanding of the relationship between
contrasting elements. This knowledge is
manifested in various art forms such as
architecture, sculpture and painting.

In my view, Chinese furniture making is a
microcosm of Chinese architecture; all void
and solid spaces, carved and non-carved
surfaces, forms and shapes that are thought
through carefully. As a result, contrasting
elements are allowed. Examples include the
use of curved lines to balance straight
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