Glossary

General Terms

Apron: A skirt of wood running between the legs of a chair or cabinet.

 

Cane Inlay: Decorative design, weaving with split rattan or bamboo fiber for seats or beds set into the surface of a piece of furniture.

 

Embossed: Put Raised design or painting on Leather or wood

 

Feng Shui: Chinese practice of arranging elements to achieve the greatest harmony and balance

 

Grain: A pattern that is formed in wood by its fibers.

 

Hardwood: Timber from any tree that is not a conifer; wood known for its strength and durability.

 

Horsehoof: Style of table or chair leg that resembles the hoof of a horse of Chinese antique furniture.

 

Joinery: Constructed with dovetail or other joints instead of nails

 

Lacquer: red or black coating that imparts a high gloss to surfaces. Asian varnish made from tree gum.

 

Mount: A decorative fitting attached to furniture (often of metal, ormolu or ceramic).

 

Plain hardwood: furniture made of woods such as hua li, which are waxed but left unlacquered

 

Rail: A horizontal bar running between the legs or uprights of a piece.

 

Softwood: Timber of coniferous trees; wood that is easy to cut.

 

Splat: The central upright of a chair back.

 

Stretcher: The horizontal bar joining and stabilizing the legs of a chair or table. Supports between legs of chairs, tables or benches - shape is straight or Humpback of chinese antique furniture.

 

Common Chinese Wood Names