The beautiful and versatile "hall table"

Some of our most elegant pieces are called "hall tables". The proportions are often light and delicate, and always pleasing to the eye. Some designs highlight the natural beauty of the timber, some have wonderful curves, while others have intricate carvings or colourful paintings. Some even have secret places to hang your keys!

Don't be misled by the term "hall"... our clients use them in many different rooms. Perfect for displaying photos, flowers, porcelain, etc, or under a piece of art (or in one client's case, a kimono). And of course, ideal in the hall for the phone (and answering machine and chargers and other gizmos), with phone books and takeaway menus stashed away in the drawers!

Hou

Elegant narrow cupboards

This matching pair of cupboards dates from the late 1800s. Made of northern elm, they have a wonderful decorative finish which will make them a highlight piece, while fitting in with most decors.

A stylish storage solution for any room.
PS - People sometimes ask why the legs are so long in this style of Chinese furniture. It adds to the elegance, but there was also originally a practical reason. Ask us (or send in your theories)!

Hou

Elegant country-style painted sideboard

It was with mixed emotions that we said goodbye this week to this beautiful willow sideboard from inner Mongolia. We fell in love with this late 1800s piece as soon as we saw it in China - superb craftsmanship, gorgeous timber, and delicate paintings. But we are glad it has gone to a good home with a local artist, where it will get the appreciation it deserves.

Hou

Original medicine cupboard from late 1800s

Original medicine cupboards are highly sought after.  Traditionally, the open shelves at the top were used to store 'wet' medicine ingredients in large blue and white jars (often known in the west as 'ginger jars').  The small drawers below were used for the dry medicine ingredients.

This magnificent example was made from Beech in Zhejiang province in the late 1800s (pair available). If you are after complete authenticity, we also have some of the antique medicine jars. We also have some smaller examples in different materials.

Hou

Sitting in style

A selection of chairs from our gallery.  Except for the earlier horseshoe armchair, all date from the late 1800s. 

 

• a black lacquer wedding chair with a carved back  splat in northern elm (yumu)
• a red chair from Fujian made of fir (shanmu)
• a tea chair from Hunan in camphor wood (zhangmu) with a nicely carved top rail
• a tea chair also in camphor wood  from Hunan but with a plain top rail
• a red lacquer camphorwood chair with carved back and arms from Guangdong 
• an arm chair in elm (yumu) from Shanxi
• a folding chair horseshoe armchair from the late 1700s made of Jichimu (genus Ormosa) also known as chicken-wing wood because the rays in the timber resemble bird feathers.

 Lorraine

Delicate walnut table

If you've ever seen walnut you'll know how attractive the colouring and grain is.  This late Qing table is a lovely example from Xian, the ancient capital of China, in Shaanxi province. 

Hou

Practical Storage

We believe furniture should be practical ... and storage should be beautiful.
Here are a few examples.

Hou

Lighting for all tastes

Customers often come looking for interesting lamps, so we've brought in a few different ranges.  Birdcage styles (made from bamboo); traditional ceramic bases in solid colours, textured finishes and strong patterns; delicate lace ceramics in blue and white or plain white; and some stunning silk floor lamps - there's plenty to choose from.  We can also arrange custom orders on all designs.

Hou

Beautiful set of mirrors

The frames for these mirrors were salvaged from the remains of a late 1800s wedding bed from Jiangxi province. The exquisite shape and details in the carving make for a stunning surround, while the high quality bevelled mirrors add the finishing touch.

Hou

Two of our favourite "rescues"

One of the joys of buying trips is spotting battered old pieces and seeing the beauty and elegance they will bring to the homes of our clients.  Here are two of our favourites...

Hou & Kelly