"charlie b"
snip
I guess with a 5,000 year wodoworking tradition,
and a penchant for evolving designs and techniques over
hundreds of years, refining in tiny increments, the finesse
(sp?) of today's pieces shouldn't be that surprising. Unlike
Western styles which come and go in a decade or two,
Chinese "styles" last long enough, in many cases several
centuries, to become truly refined and elegant, both in
design and execution.

Now by elegant I don't mean froo-froo, fancy smantzy,
snip

But now I'm REALLY examining this piece, taking some
measurements and doing some drawings. I'm just
starting to understand the interaction between the
design elements and the fabrication techniques that
went into this one piece.
snip
I contrast this design/exectution appproach with that
of the current "HOT STYLE" - Arts and Crafts -
snip
colored details yelling "LOOK AT ME" and "honest" joinery
that may in fact be fake, hiding perhaps a screw or
two - or maybe strictly there as a decorative element.
snip
This particular piece is at least 35 years old, has lived
in both humid and dry conditions, has been moved
numerous times - and still hangs together nice and
tight - no joints opening/failing, no splits or cracks,
no runs, no hits, no errors - no man left on base.
snip
If so, can you share a discovery?

Charlie, I do believe in the axiom that form follows function. One also
has to consider the local materials available as well as the competency of
the labor force. In a area where exotic timber is plentiful, you could
expect common use pieces to be made from what we would consider un-common
woods.

As for joinery, I would suppose the ancient woodworkers depended on the
joints mechanical connection for the lions share of the strength where
currently we have glues that surpass the strength of any wood. I love to
build projects that challenge my design and joint making ability. However,
when all I need is a functional item, I can bang one out using modern
methods and products.

I'm sure that should we have a shop full of willing apprentices and a
limitless supply of exotic wood even you or I could build some pretty nice
stuff.

Dave






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