「The Art of Collecting」My View of Hei Honglu: Discussing Furniture and Also Discussing Time

Hei Honglu was a legendary figure in the field of Chinese antique furniture. More than twenty years ago, whenever I went on business or traveled to Hong Kong, I would definitely visit Mr. Hei. The first reason was to obtain the desired antique items such as small pieces of huanghuali, and the second was to taste the beef noodles he made himself. The curry rolls he made were also extremely delicious and left a lasting impression, making people unable to forget them.

The numerous huanghuali brushpot,dressing case, and boxes of various sizes that he had piled up on the walls were truly overwhelming. Not to mention the matching huanghualirounded corner bookcases made from the same material, also known as “noodle cabinets” – these are precious antique furniture pieces. Standing beside these old objects and listening to him tell stories about the antique trade by old Beijing accent, it was even more fascinating than the objects themselves.

His passion for life and objects also extended to his role as an antique dealer. Hei Honglu, with his sharp eyesight and profound knowledge, became the acknowledged “expert” in the industry. The huanghuali furniture he handled not only embodies the aesthetic principle of Ming-style “simplicity as the supreme value”, but also showcases exquisite craftsmanship everywhere.

The large table with solid top and phoenixes pattern, made of wide timber and single-panel, with uniform and fine grain, as if it were naturally formed like a piece of jade. The carved dragon pattern on the side panels and the phoenix pattern on the toothed head are exquisite. It is both simple and elegant, with a refined style. It is extremely rare.

If the large curved-head table is dignified, then the huanghuali table with solid top and cloud pattern is even more delicate. The clear grain of the single-panel tabletop, the rounded and graceful corners of the two curved heads at both ends, and the multi-patterned cloud carvings on the side panels all contribute to a refined and elegant appearance.

Looking at the matching pairs of huanghuali southern official’s hat armchairs, the backrests are decorated with coexisting double legendary dragons and connecting sticks, which is a unique and nearly C-shaped design. The legs are round on the outside and square on the inside, and the round wood is paired with the curling grass pattern on the front toothed board perfectly blend the solid and the flexible.

The matching pairs of lamp-hanger chairs are even more ingenious. The transition of the backrest is natural, and the rear legs are made of one piece of wood forming an inverted C shape. The seat drawer is set on the platform and is made of plain boards. This method is extremely rare. The curling grass pattern on the toothed board enhance the overall simplicity and elegance. Each piece can be regarded as a model of the craftsmanship and aesthetics of Ming-style furniture.

Behind these collections lies his years of in-depth professional accumulation, which serves as a bridge for academic research and cultural inheritance, allowing the beauty of the “rich wood grain and simple lines” of the furniture to spread from the storage room to a broader perspective. We also hope that this elderly person who conveys beauty between objects and daily life can enjoy good health and longevity, and continue to add warm chapters to the classical furniture culture.

The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.