Butterfly Garden Stool
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Stools
Ceramic
Finding the Right Ceramics for You
With their rich and diverse history, antique, new and vintage Asian ceramics offer colorful and sophisticated ways to add flair to any space.
Japanese pottery dates back at least 13,000 years to the Jōmon period. Pieces from the Late Jōmon era display a rope-cord pattern encircling a pot or jug. During the Muromachi period, potters created simple bowls and utensils frequently used in tea ceremonies and were made as both functional and aesthetic objects.
Ceramics made during Japan’s Meiji period, from 1868 to 1912, reflected an explosion of artistic expression propelled by new access to international trade. Details became more intricate and refined, and colors were enhanced with new glazing practices.
Chinese porcelain, meanwhile, is often identified by its shape. Each reign and dynasty had specific shapes and styles that were encouraged by the imperial ruler. During the Song dynasty, for instance, there were four dominant types of ceramic vase shapes: plum-shaped, pear-shaped, cong-shaped (tall and square) and double-gourd.
Chinese ceramics that were made during the Qing dynasty were demonstrative of an expanded artistic expression, with more delicate shapes and a focus on intricate detailing. The shapes of ceramics from this era are thinner, taller and have subtle features like a gentle flare, such as on the mallet-shaped vase.
Later, the 17th- and 18th-century interior design trend of chinoiserie brought Asian paintings and screens, textiles and other art and furniture from the continent into many European homes.
Explore an extensive range of antique, new and vintage Asian ceramics on 1stDibs to find the perfect piece for your home.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The point of a garden stool is to provide a place to sit in a garden. You might use one for comfort while you’re pruning low bushes or simply to relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings. People may also place flower pots or sculptures on garden stools. On 1stDibs, find a selection of garden stools.
- What is a Chinese garden stool?1 Answer
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020The Chinese garden stool is a round, barrel-shaped stool with a circular seat. Inspired by traditional drums, these stools often feature decorative elements simulating actual drumheads, such as a ring of faux nails at each end.
- Why do garden stools have holes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Garden stools have holes in them to allow for the water to drain out instead of accumulating on top of the stool. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary garden stools from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020Yes! Chinese garden stools are a popular décor item and can be easily found in contemporary, vintage and antique versions. They are also known as drum stools.
- Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
No. Antique Chinese garden stools should be hand painted. Some antique English garden stools will have blue and white transfer decoration as do many modern and reproduction garden stools.
- PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
Chinese round garden stools were made in a range of sizes, for use both indoors and out. Used as a form of casual seating as early as the Song dynasty (920-1279), these drum-form stools were common in Chinese aristocratic homes and were made with a variety of materials and decorative designs.
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