| Looking at pictures taken in China, one might observe | | | | many different answers to that question. The simple |
| that the most ubiquitous pieces of furniture are | | | | answer that seems to make most sense is that a |
| benches. They are seen outside of buildings as well as | | | | stool is designed for one person, a bench for two or |
| inside. They are found in pictures of wealthy houses | | | | more. |
| and in pictures of the poorest dwellings. Some | | | | There is something else to be said about benches as |
| benches are seen outside of restaurants as well as | | | | well as other Chinese furniture. Until quite recently, old |
| inside. Literally they seem to be everywhere. | | | | furniture in China was viewed simply as old furniture. |
| The other interesting thing to note about benches is | | | | There was not the "prized antique" mentality that |
| how varied they are by size and by style. Certain | | | | some Western societies place on old furniture. |
| benches made in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644) | | | | Therefore, old furniture did not get the same kind of |
| are highly sought after today. Made from the finest | | | | protection and care as old furniture may have in other |
| woods and beautifully constructed, examples of these | | | | societies. It is important to remember that there are |
| benches are to be found in major museum collections | | | | very few hardwood floors in China. |
| throughout the world. | | | | Furniture used indoors frequently absorbed moisture |
| Every day benches, used by the less privileged, show | | | | through the legs; heating was also more sporadic so |
| up in antique shops all over the world, often at very | | | | that the furniture was subject to more temperature |
| reasonable prices. Construction techniques are often | | | | variations than may have been the case in the West. |
| quite similar from the very oldest benches to the ones | | | | These observations are true, of course, for all Chinese |
| made in the 20th century. There can also be amazing | | | | antique furniture, and they are mentioned here only |
| style similarities between benches made 500 years | | | | because many of the old benches available in the |
| ago and ones made 50 years ago. | | | | West have repairs and evidence of moisture having |
| Because the basic form of a bench is simple, Chinese | | | | been absorbed through the legs. Repairs in Chinese |
| antique benches are often found in western homes. | | | | furniture are ubiquitous. |
| The Chinese antique bench fits in well with modern | | | | Most of the old benches available for sale have been |
| furnishings and has a multitude of uses. Some use two | | | | refinished. Refinishing, of course, does not remove all |
| benches at the ends of a sofa. Single benches are | | | | the signs of use, and the nice part about refinished |
| frequently used as side tables beside arm chairs. | | | | Chinese furniture is that the woods frequently used |
| Benches are also used as coffee tables. In other | | | | have highly attractive grain patterns. Refinishing and |
| words, Chinese antique benches are used today in | | | | repair do not matter to the average person seeking |
| western style houses with the same variety of uses | | | | only to have attractive antique furniture at home. Only |
| as found in China. | | | | those who subscribe to the collecting school of "Buy it |
| How are benches different from stools? There can be | | | | ratty and leave it alone" will object. |