| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺灣師範大學 === 美術學系 === 101 === Ming furniture has been known as the pinnacle of the classic Chinese furniture’s evolution, constructed with a perfect combination of precious natural materials and traditional wooden craft. Ming furniture’s most distinguished characteristic is its portrayal of simplistic and elegant style through classic and flowing lines. The unique aesthetics that Ming furniture exhibits is not only internationally renowned, but also celebrated by Eastern and Western collectors alike.
The research and analysis of this study focuses exclusively on Ming furniture as defined by the acclaimed scholar Wang Shixiang. Through examining various published work regarding Ming furniture, including scholarly books, collection catalogs, periodicals, and websites, this study compiles and indicates the number, type and materials of existing Ming furniture collection in the world. The study also uses this compilation as the basis for analyzing the distribution of Ming furniture among museums and private collectors.
Chapter Two of this study explores the background and context under which Ming furniture was born and established as a unique style of furniture by surveying the origins and evolution of classic Chinese furniture. This chapter also observes the different types of and forms, lines, structures, ornaments, and materials used in Ming furniture to better understand the aesthetics and standards for artistic appreciation of the elite society during Ming Dynasty, and in turn, how the elites’ aesthetics influenced the design and making of Ming furniture. Furthermore, this chapter also aims to explain the aesthetics of Ming furniture through a Western Art lens.
Based on both Chinese and foreign publications, Chapter Three explains the process through which Ming furniture has become historical relics worthy of collecting during the latter half of the 20th century. This Chapter also presents the current Ming furniture collections of various renowned museums around the world to shed light on the artistic significance Ming furniture enjoys today, as well as the history and distinguished features of the classic collection of Ming furniture.
Chapter Four surveys the distribution, key collection and considerations of various renowned Western and Eastern Ming furniture collectors. The author also discusses her personal Ming furniture collecting experiences and long-term observation of the collecting market in order to supply a synthesis of key considerations and strategies for the collecting of Ming furniture.
Chapter Five concludes the study with a summary of the significance and value behind collecting Ming furniture, as well as the development and trends for the Ming furniture collecting market.
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