The earliest history of Chinese antiques and furniture indicates a mat-level culture. The ancient Chinese were known to kneel or sit cross-legged upon woven mats. They were surrounded by various furnishings which included cabinets, low tables, screens, and antique armrests. A few of these fabulous Chinese antiques have survived to the modern day. The trend towards higher seating were influenced by foreign customs. During the second century AD, the Han emperor Lingdi supposedly had a fascination with things foreign. One of these was the higher "barbarian" seat, which was called huchuang. During ceremonial and sacrificial rites, low platforms were used as higher seating for high officials and religious dignitaries. Chinese lacquer furniture that was excavated from the ancient kingdom of Chu is characterized by its precisely carved decorations and its unique color patterns. However, this furniture was also quite functional. The marriage of artistic form with practicality is common throughout the history of Chinese furniture. When looking at Chinese antiques and furniture, it's easy to see how it came from a culture that for many years sat on mats or on low seats. This is evident in the low Chinese antique tables and other smaller items. The work on these pieces has been always executed with precision and an eye for detail. The lacquerware furniture with its sculpture and vivid paint design plays a decorative role. The traditional furniture is less decorative, with more focus on the wood it was constructed from. Most antique Chinese tables and cabinets were collected from the great families of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their legend lives on in the homes of discerning collectors. | 
