These hand-painted baskets are great for decorative storage. Originally used 60 to 80 years ago to gather fruit and vegetables from the farms of rural China, they have been given new life. Each one is hand-painted in a different color and with a different scene, which makes it truly unique as there is no other like it. The various colors include blue, green, red, orange and yellow. The different scenes available range from floral to animal scenes and monks performing rituals. Bring a slice of China's rich history to your home.
- History of the Furniture
The pieces in our collection are the remnants of classical China, pre-communism, wood working. In the 1960�s when Communism was at its peak the �red guards� ransacked the villages of China taking all possessions of value, including their furniture, in an effort to create a classless society.
Some of the furniture was burned in the streets, while others were taken by the PLA, categorized and stored in large warehouses all over China. For over fifty years the furniture has sat in these warehouses often being exposed to the harsh weather conditions.
A little over twenty five years ago the PLA started releasing the furniture into the open markets in an effort to raise money for its organization. The furniture is put for sale in markets all across the country. Madera Home shops these markets and brings the furniture back to its own workshop in Southern China where it is fully restored.
THE Reclamation Process
When the old furniture and wood arrives in our workshop it has been out in the weather for many years, the beautiful brass hardware was stripped away generations ago as it was very valuable, and often time�s doors and legs are in disrepair.
Upon its arrival our team of craftsmen inspects each piece. During this inspection they check for:
1. Bugs living in the wood
2. Rotten wood
3. Structural Damage
We then begin to work of creation. Old temple wood is carved into media cabinets and chests and old pieces of furniture are redesigned to fit our modern lifestyles. After all repair work is completed the pieces are completely refinished. Each piece undergoes a rigorous restoration process that takes up to 30 days. Often times the piece goes through 20-30 different process to ensure a seamless finish. Designs that grace the fronts are all hand painted, new hardware is installed, and each piece is carefully packed awaiting shipment to our warehouse.
THE STRUCTURE AND QUALITY
The Chinese were the first craftsman to realize that wood contrasts and expands with the temperature. For this reason furniture was built with floating panels that allows the furniture to "breath," expand and contract with the changing climates.
Each piece of furniture is assembled with no nails or metal pins, the Chinese were the first to use a tongue and grove system so that each piece fits together like a puzzle piece. For this reason, the furniture is much sturdier than any other on the market, and has enabled the furniture to last for centuries.
Care of the Furniture
To ensure the lasting complexion of the furniture Madera Home recommends regular dusting with a soft cloth and distilled water. To regain the natural shine buff with paste wax as needed. Every three months it is necessary to use natural orange oil on the insides and backs of the furniture as this will add moisture to the wood and prevent any cracking. At no time should aerosol products be used, as these destroy the beautiful lacquer finish. Remember when using orange oil, less is more, only a few drops need to be applied over the areas.
Other recommendations include:
�Place a glass of water inside the piece for the first 30 - 90 days. The Madera Home collection is of solid elm wood, however they come from climate very different than our own and it is necessary for the furniture to breath moisture as it acclimates to its new environment.
�Placing Plants and humidifiers near the furniture also help it to acclimate to its new surroundings
|
