Antique Oriental Book Case

There are book cases and there are book cases, but the antique oriental book case is something clearly in a world of its own. By all standard, it is not just another book case, it is a book case designed by great experts who had an in depth know how of the oriental kind of fashion and designs. It is therefore not just any piece of furniture.

If you take sometime to check out the great work of art performed on this antique furniture you will have no other choice than to agree with the idea that the antique oriental book case is in a world of its own. It is a combination of both a deep craftsmanship and design.

The antique furniture came in different forms, which is determined in accordance with the type of wood used in making it. Some were made with red sandalwood; some other ones were made with rich huanghuali while yet another type was made with simple bamboo. Each of these types was expertly finished by skilled hands.

The general design of these antique oriental book cases defers a little from the general understanding of how book cases were made. It was made with shelves were hidden behind closed doors, which means that the cabinets or shelves are completely covered by a common door. At times these antique furniture were designed in an entirely different format, open shelves may be above with doors on the bottom section.

The sandalwood or the lacquered type was commonly used in temples, palaces and the home of the wealthy individuals. This type had up to four different types and was commonly used during the Ming and Quing Dynasties (1368 to 1911).

The other type of the Antique oriental book case made of hardwood was commonly found in homes of officials, the nobles and other rich homes. This type was carefully made and richly polished to give it a rather glamorous look.

The other type of antique oriental book case called the carved book case was made with various carvings and designs. The main designing objects were shells, chips of enamel, and precious stones. The precious stones could be jade, agate or marble. All these designing objects were of various combinations of colors and shapes. Other stuffs used in designing the antique oriental bookcase were ivory, horn and amber.

The carvings methods used on the antique oriental furniture were of three types; it could be freestyle carving, relief carving or negative carving.

The possession of the antique oriental book case should also go with a good knowledge of how to maintain them. They should not be kept in an area that is too dry so as to avoid the contraction of the floating panel of the antique furniture. It must also not be kept in an area with high humidity.