An artisan of wood furniture for more than 20 years, Han Jianxian, 40, says the craft of classic Chinese furniture is composed of four parts — material, technique, cultural tradition and artistic value — noting that "each is irreplaceable like the four legs that support a chair".
Han, a native of historic and picturesque Suzhou, Jiangsu province, has been carrying on the rich legacies of Suzhou-style furniture making, which is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and elegant designs, which makes it a distinguished category of classic Chinese furniture.
More than 20 redwood pieces of furniture made by Han are now on show at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, through May 19.
Han's works exemplifies the refined techniques and designs of the Suzhou-style of furniture that dates as far back as the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties.
