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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Antique: An object over 100 years old and valued because of its age.

Camphor:(Zhangmu) wood most commonly found in China, Taiwan and Japan. Shock and decay resistant, often used for general construction.

Celadon: Form of porcelain that originated in the Han Dynasty.

Dragon: A god that embodied the ideas of the Chinese people. The Chinese believed that they were descendants of this creature. The dragon was thought to be a combination of nine animals: The horns of a deer, the ears of an ox, head of a camel, the eyes of the devil, a snake-like neck, the claws of an eagle on the paws of a tiger, the scales of a carp and the belly of a large cockle. Dragons were thought to control the rains and the floods and aid in the transportation of humans into death or other celestial realms. They were symbols of transformation, adaptability and of the natural world. When two dragons are places back to back, the symbolize eternity by way of the Ying and Yang.

Elm: (Yumu) Light yellow/brown softwood found in Northern China.

Fir: (Shanmu) Creamy white/ pale brown wood of medium density. Fir grain is straight and even and is excellent for general construction.

Joinery: Construction technique used by the Chinese that involved the creation of dovetail and other joints, rather than using nails and screws.

Laquerware: Chinese lacquer is a type of tree sap that is carefully applied in thin layers over several months. Organic lacquer is red in color and is often seen thicker around corners and edges. As time passes, and layers of lacquer are added, a grainy look is accomplished. In modern days many different shades of lacquer are used.

Oak:(Zuamu) A strong type of wood used for construction in China. Used in trunks and other objects, fir is excellent for deterring moths. There are 40 types of oak found in China.

Pine:(Sogmu) White/pale/grey wood used for construction in China. Pine is straight grained and stable.

Porcelain: pottery made from Kaolin (china clay). Began in the Shang Dynasty and still created and exported today

Restoration: The skilled repair of antiques

Vintage: An object under 100 years old that is recognized as being of lasting appeal and high quality.

Wedding Customs: arranged marriages were common in China. The Bride and Grooms compatibility was determined by a matchmaker who would align the couples birthdays and hours of birth, thus determining if they matched according to Astrology. If the couple matched, Groom’s family would send gifts to the Bride’s family. These would include: Tea, lotus seeds, oranges and green and red beans. Often the Groom’s mother would create a wedding cake and send it to the Bride; these cakes were then transported in Chinese cake boxes (see in shopping cart).