The diversity of Asian antiques
Written by admin on September 28, 2009 – 4:08 am -Asian style is as diverse as the continent that inspires it.
From ornate Chinese chests to casual Burmese chairs, Asian-inspired design offers a range of styles that can be incorporated into any interior.
Asia, the world's largest continent, includes countries as culturally different as Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia; but, when most people think of Asian design, they think Oriental decor, specifically Japanese inspired Zen-like interiors.
"There are so many different Asian styles and they are all unique, just as English, French and Italian are different styles," said Mary Arnold, who, along with her husband, Joe Arnold, owns McLean-based East & Beyond LTD, which sells Chinese, Japanese and Korean antiques.
Japanese design uses natural materials, water features, straw mats, bamboo, stone and neutral-color palettes, and most of the furniture is low to the floor.
"You have to remember the Japanese did everything on the floor," Arnold said. "There were no chairs until the end of the 19th century. After that you see some of the Western influence. "
Soft floral patterns, such as cherry blossoms, often are used on pottery and in fabrics.
The clean-lined furniture makes Japanese design popular with minimalists and those who appreciate a more modern look. The Japanese futon, a favorite of space-deprived urban dwellers, can be used in bedrooms, living rooms and dens.
"Simplicity is the key with Asian design," said Joe Minor, owner of Creative Home Décor Services. Minor, who has traveled to Japan twice, created a Japanese-inspired backyard at his Alexandria town house. He used bamboo to cover a standard wooden fence and filled his yard with Asian elements, such as a water fountain, Bonsai tree, a mini statue of Buddha and lots of stones.
Minor is working with a client who collects ancient Chinese scrolls. The scrolls, which range from calligraphy to intricate scenes with animals, are being hung over bold-colored walls.
"Simplicity is the key." Minor said. "You don't want a lot of furniture. You want clutter-free with space to move around."
In Chinese-inspired design, the furniture pieces tend to be carved wooden designs with hand-painted details and lacquered surfaces. Accessories may feature animal motifs and mythological beasts, such as monkeys and dragons. Other elements often used are large folding screens, murals and plaques that depict historical characters. Red, which symbolizes good luck in Chinese culture, figures prominently, as does green, gold and "monk's robe" orange.
"Many of the ancient monasteries and temples were painted in these colors, and they are still prevalent today when traveling through these countries," said Barbara Hawthorn, president of Barbara Hawthorn Interiors in McLean. "In Japanese design, strong blues with whites and coral are also prevalent."
Southeast Asian style is more tropical, almost Polynesian. Countries in this part of Asia include the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Burma.
Monique Bergin, co-owner of the Banana Tree in Alexandria, specializes in Southeast Asian furniture and accessories. Her pieces come from Burma, Thailand and Indonesia.
The woods are more tropical. You see a lot of teak. Bergin said what separated East Asian from Southeast Asian design was what she calls "the human touch."
"With Japanese and Chinese design, they are attempting perfection. The finishes are usually polished. With Southeast Asian design, you see the imperfections," she said.
To make Asian decor work, it is important to not overdo it, Bergin said. "I wouldn't do an entire room in it," she said.
Where to start? Arnold recommends books, museums and the Internet. "There are lots of good books out there. And some of the Asian museums are great places to learn about what good Asian design is," Arnold said. A great internet site to begin your search is Asian Antique Bargains.
A good way to purchase Asian-inspired decor is to purchase quality pieces a little at a time. If you can't afford a Mongolian console, which can cost as much as $3,000, start with smaller accessories, such as antique Chinese baskets and boxes, which range from $40 to $300. A hand-carved Qing Dynasty-style red Su-Chow cabinet from Southern China can cost from $700 to $1,600. If you want an authentic antique Asian dining room, a rustic-looking Korean Maru dining table, made of Asian pine, costs from $2,000 to $4,000. To capture the look for less, invest in dining chairs, such as an antique bride's chair from China, made of elm with lacquer finish, or a horse chair. These look great at the head of a table and can cost $450 each.
Tags: antique accessories from china, Asian Antiques, asian decorative arts, Chinese Antiques
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