»People in olden times had neither
chairs nor tables and consequently did
not know how to comport themselves
[where such furniture is concerned].
Their deportment on seating mats,
however, was respectful in the extreme.«
(Zhang Zai, 1020-1078, Liku.)
In earlier times the Chinese used to sit on mats next
to the floor, but folding stools had already come to
China towards the end of the Han dynasty, through
the agency of the nomads to the north. During the
Tang, Buddhist abbots and senior officials sat on
chairs with backrests. During the Song it had become
common practice in all social classes to sit on chairs
and benches at high tables.
Furniture and its positioning was an important part
of social life. The furniture was lined up against the
walls in strict symmetry and the guests were seated
in ranking order. There was also a hierarchy of seat-
ing furniture. The host and the most important guests
sat on chairs with backrest and armrests, less exalted
guests sat on chairs with backrests only, and the
people lowest in rank sat on stools. Women are often
pictured sitting on stools.
Furniture was sometimes very expensive – lacquered
and decorated with inlay work. In the 16th century
hardwood began to be imported from Southeast
Asia. Chairs, tables and furniture for storing things
were now made of these costly woods. The austerity
of these hardwood items has deeply influenced
modern furniture design.