Category: Chinese customs

‘Corner-leg’ types are divided into ‘flush-sided’ (simianping) and ‘waisted’ type. ‘Flush-sided’ types are box-like in form, and generally of austere style with minimal decoration. The ‘waisted’ style, with a narrow recess around the top, suggests an early architectural style that migrated from the West. As a dignified support, waisted platforms became associated with the seat of Buddha (xumizuo). The form was eventually assimilated by furniture-makers, and became a traditional style.

Rounded furniture forms were especially popular during the Ming dynasty. As a stylistic concept roundness and wholeness (yuanhun) suggest organic unity. Unfortunately, because curvilinear components are easily broken, few of these lovely objects have survived the vicissitudes of time.

The folding stool is thought to have been introduced to China during the second century AD, at which time the Han emperor Lingdi was recorded to have had a fondness for foreign curiosities, including the ‘foreign barbarian seat’ (huchuang). This term referred to the folding stool, which was commonly used by nomadic tribes in the more remote northern and western regions. Its use spread throughout China over the following centuries. It became a popular seat for rulers and dignitaries when traveling or cruising on a boat, and its lightweight portability made it especially suitable for officers on military campaigns. Travelers convenient carried them over the shoulder, and even today, men and women use them to relax by the street side or while fishing along a canal.

According to the statistics from 1983 to 1987, the herbal medicines in theGuangxiZhuang Autonomous Region (South China) alone amount to 4,623 kinds, of which 4,064 kinds are plant herbs, 509 kinds are animal medicines, and 50 are mineral medicines, ranking second in China. Medicines commonly used by the Zhuang doctors are as many as 709 kinds.

   The Qing-style chair appears as a large stool with separate railings attached above, differing from integrated construction of the traditional chair with arm and back posts continuous with the legs below. Many have no back inclination, but are rather perpendicular and straight without anyvertical splay. The railings are often decorated with angular scrolling and/or carved decoration. Contrasted to the sculpted ease of the earlier classical forms, these chairs have a stiff, formal appearance.

    Deep-seated chairs were generally accompanied with an adjustable sloping backrest or a soft, cushioned mat for comfortable lounging; erotic paintings also demonstrate their compatibility for lovemaking.

The Uygur iatrology and medicine account for a rather large proportion of TCM. Till now, the medicines included in the national pharmacopoeia have amounted to 202 kinds, including 115 medicinal materials and 87 preparations.