Heavily lacquered furniture is an Asian design element.
The origins of Asian woodworking date back to China's Zhou Dynasty from 722 to 476 BC. According to Connie Hubbard in "A Brief Look at Woodworking History," one of the earliest books written on Asian woodworking comes "Manuscripts of Lu Ban," in which measurements for furniture construction are described in great detail. Modern Asian woodworking books encompass the artistic facets of crafting Asian furniture, cabinets and decorative pieces based on traditional Asian woodworking and carpentry.
Japanese Cabinetry: The Art and Craft of Tansu
This illustrated book by David Jackson and Dane Owen covers the history of Japanese cabinetry as well as design and craftsmanship details. This book is an excellent reference source for learning about the history and use of tansu (Japanese cupboards and chests) as it applies to modern design. For the collector or craftsman interested in restoration, the book features a chapter dedicated to the proper identification and refurbishing techniques for antique tansu. (Publisher: Cambium Books)
Chinese Domestic Furniture and Measured Drawings
This book by professor Gustav Ecke is the go-to manual for anyone interested in learning about authentic Chinese woodworking. Professor Ecke taught and completed research at Peking's Catholic University. His illustrated book takes a thorough look at the historical evolution of high-quality traditional Chinese furniture, measured drawings and Chinese methods of joining furniture parts. Though the book does not teach the actual craft of woodworking, it covers the basic elements necessary to create authentic Chinese woodworking projects. (Dover Books on Furniture)
The Genius of Japanese Carpentry: The Secrets of a Craft
Bamboo is a main source for Japanese woodworking projects.
This book chronicles the journey of carpenter, S. Azby Brown, who travels to Japan during the reconstruction of an eighth-century historical temple in Nara. During Brown's apprenticeship on the project, he documents the extensive technical details carpenters employed throughout reconstruction that remained faithful to traditional Japanese construction and woodworking techniques. This book captures the essence of the art and passion for Japanese historical carpentry--and it's an excellent reference for understanding the Japanese dedication to wood and bamboo as the architectural foundation for traditional temples and buildings. (Publisher: Kodansha Europe)
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