Dating back to the times when our ancestors sat cross-legged on mats, the development of Chinese furniture can look back on a long history that reached its pinnacle in the golden age of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This was an era when craftsmen acquired unsurpassed cabinetry skills and paid meticulous attention to the artistry of furniture designs. The unique styles of Ming and Qing furniture represent the quintessential achievements of China's rich furniture-making traditions.


This exhibition of miniature models gives visitors the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful but often neglected aesthetics of classical Chinese furniture. Made of rosewood (huanghuali and zitan) using mortise and tenon joinery, these 1:8 scale models precisely reflect the devotion to detail of the Chinese furniture artisans and, displayed in settings representing living rooms, bedrooms and studies, they retain both the traditional architectural character and the spirit of Ming furniture.


The exhibition has been made possible by the generous donation of this unique collection by Mr C W Charles Wong as well as the enthusiastic support of Ms Cherrie Wong, and the museum wishes to express to them its heartfelt gratitude for their contribution.