Classical Chinese furniture is known for its simple, graceful design and excellent craftsmanship. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the piece of antique furniture you have purchased will require little in the way of maintenance. To keep your piece looking its best, please consider the following important points.

The majority of our antique furniture comes from Beijing, situated in the northeast part of China. This is where Imperial Court made its capital city for five-hundred years and thus influenced important and innovative styles in furniture design. Beijing has a dry climate with extreme temperatures. Summer can produce humid 40C degree weather while winter temperatures can easily drop to a chilly -10C degrees. Yearly precipitation for the area is only 10cm or 4 inches per year.

With this in mind, it is important to remember that wood is a breathing material which contracts and expands as the temperature changes. While all our pieces have been treated to extract excess moisture to avoid cracking or warping, it is recommended that you keep your piece in a stable temperature environment away from air-conditioning units, fireplaces, heat vents, and windows. In the case of armoires and cabinets, place a glass of water inside to help maintain its moisture level. We have had no problems with previously shipped items to the Vancouver area.

Direct sunlight will fade the finish of your antique, so keep it in a protected area of your home. Avoid leaving objects on the surface in the same spot for long periods as this will create unwanted discoloration. Remember, if you intend to place anything on top of your antoque, put felt pads under the object to protect the surface it is sitting on.

Your newly acquired piece of antique furniture will have been restored, fumigated and professionally finished and should require nothing more than a soft damp cloth to remove any unwanted substances. Never use a household cleaner or any abrasive cleaner or cloth as this will stain or scratch your piece. All plain wood pieces have been oiled and lightly waxed and should require only an occasional buffing with a dry soft cloth. If you feel it requires additional protection in time, beeswax or walnut oil are good choices.

These simple tips will help you maintain the look and the value of your purchase so that you can enjoy its rich history for years to come. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions concerning the care and maintenance of your Chinese antiques.