Antique European furniture exhibit

By Wang Jie (Shanghai Daily)

10:33, August 22, 2012

Not many locals have a deep appreciation of Western antique furniture, but an exhibition featuring 99 pieces of 19th century European antique furniture may arouse interest in the subject.

Organized by Rongbaozhai, the exhibit titled "Appreciation of 19th Century European Royal and Nobles' Antique Furniture" will include Christopher Payne, one of the world's leading experts on Western antique furniture. Payne will promote appreciation of antique furniture made for Europe's royals and nobles among China's new rich.

"I have been brought up with European furniture. My father and grandfather were antique dealers so it is in my blood," says Payne, who worked at Sotheby's London for 25 years and is now a curator for private collectors on furniture and sculptures. "It is so complicated to make, takes so many hours and craftsmen who were trained for seven years before they could make their own furniture. I love the color that our furniture develops after 100 years - the patination is a huge part of the charm. So do no let anyone over-clean it."

The highlight of the exhibition is a chest of drawers made by Francois Linke in 1910.

For many Chinese, the name will be unfamiliar, yet Linke is a heavyweight name in the circle of European antique furniture. Linke (1855-1946) is considered the finest French cabinet maker of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The piece on display was given by Linke to his daughter as a wedding gift.

"I was privileged to be able to spend over 10 years researching Linke and amassing a huge archive on his work. People in the West appreciate how exacting his work was, made to the very highest standard, as good as or even better than royal furniture," Payne said.

Date: Through September 7, 10am-4pm

Address: 2/F, Platinum Bay Plaza, 948 Dongdaming Rd, Shanghai

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