Chapter 11: Comparison of Furniture History: Ancient China and Ancient Japan

The furniture industry holds a prominent position in the field of product design, with ancient China and ancient Japan being renowned for their distinct furniture pieces crafted through original designs and manufacturing techniques. However, there exist notable differences between the furniture from these two eras in terms of forms, designs, and sizes. This chapter aims to highlight some of these differences to aid those unfamiliar with the subject in easily distinguishing them. For instance, Japanese furniture is characterized by low seating arrangements and compact residences with low ceilings. Conversely, Chinese furniture exhibits a wider array of styles in proportion to its size, often featuring smoother shapes with rounded edges. The first article examined Chinese furniture, shedding light on how the country’s numerous dynasties contributed to its esthetic and spiritual development. On the other hand, Japanese furniture distinguishes itself through intricate metalwork, unique shapes, patterns, and textures. Conducting a quantitative study to explore knowledge regarding furniture associated with ancient China or ancient Japan, the authors observed that many participants lacked awareness of these historical furniture styles. However, they were familiar with certain elements, such as the “Shoji” partitioning device, which originated in ancient Japan. In conclusion, this chapter presents a demonstration of the cultural and esthetic distinctions between ancient Japanese and Chinese furniture. Moreover, it highlights the diverse materials used and the varying dimensions of homes, contributing to the wide variation in furniture sizes.