Beijing (CNS)--The "Fragrant Rosewood Cultural Exhibition" opened at the Capital Museum on July 18 and will last until October 16.
Fragrant rosewood, or Dalbergia odorifera, is a rare species of legume from Hainan Island. It is often also called the "life tree" or "miraculous Oriental tree." Its shine, pattern, and fragrance have gained it much recognition throughout history. The making of fragrant rosewood furniture has absorbed and applied the essence of traditional Chinese aesthetics. After the mid-Qing Dynasty, the fragrant Pashu Padauk variety of rose-scented hardwood gradually replaced the Dalbergia odorifera in palaces. Beginning in the 1940s, collection of fragrant rosewood furniture has become fashionable in the West. The 80s and 90s saw a revitalized pursuit of fragrant rosewood antiques.
The culture and history surrounding the fragrant rosewood is being introduced in this exhibition through over 100 pieces of fragrant rosewood furniture, tools, and handicrafts. Some of the items being shown are a pestle, a small abacus, a box to hold a balancing scale, a pipa (a traditional Chinese string instrument), a scabbard, and a hat-like chair.
A history of the development of the fragrant rosewood is depicted in five parts. The first presents its international popularity and influence with renowned overseas collectors of fragrant rosewood antiques. The second part gives a historical overview of how fragrant rosewood became more and more popular, from the Tang Dynasty to its peak use by the Ming royal family and later into ordinary households.
In the third part, which depicts typical Southern Chinese culture, the scarcity and beauty of the fragrant rosewood are illustrated. The fourth part is extremely attractive showing how classical furniture was made and offers a unique experience with real classical house decorating using four scenes – garden, reading room, living room, and bedroom. The final part will certainly satisfy every eager visitor with precious fragrant rosewood antiques, such as a delicate and graceful rose chair, a classically patterned table with two wrapped ends from the Ming Dynasty, and a niche for a statue of the Buddha in monk’s hat.
