Rare Ming dynasty furniture on display at 798 art zone

The furniture includes chairs, benches, tables, beds and wardrobes.

Furniture made during China's Ming dynasty from the 14th to 17th centuries achieved a pinnacle in the art of furniture making. It is also a favorite among antique collectors. Now, an exhibition at 798 Art Zone in Beijing is displaying some rare pieces of Ming dynasty furniture.

The exhibition is held by Jia Mu Tang, literally meaning "house of fine wood", a company specializing in collecting Chinese antiques. Twenty eight geniune Ming dynasty furniture pieces collected by the company are on display, along with playthings owned by the late well-known antique collector Wang Shixiang. The furniture includes chairs, benches, tables, beds and wardrobes.

"This is a chair made in the Ming dynasty with a wood called yellow pear. It has an arched back, and has been on the front cover of many academic magazines. Chairs made in this period are very rare now. Maybe only ten are left in the world. So it's a rare chance for viewers to see it here," said Qiao Hao, director of Department of Artifacts, Guardian Auction.

Although created hundreds of years ago, these pieces provide a modern feel. And in the room dedicated to Wang Shixiang's collections and essays, visitors can feel the profound knowledge of the late collector. Seven bronze furnaces manifest the epitome of his hobby.

"Every furnace has its own style, and can be called one of a kind in terms of collecting," said Qiao.

The exhibition will run through October 7.