Chinese Furniture - Design Influences

The history of Chinese furniture has a very strong influence on the Zenzu collection and provides the basic starting point for each of our designs. All of the pieces in the collection are styled in-house by our own designers who have a remit to blend subtle outside influences with a core oriental theme.

Some of the pieces in the Zenzu range have changed little from the Ming dynasty (14th - 17th Centuries) which was reknowned for it's clean, simple lines and uniform symmetry. The subsequent Qing era tended to focus on the more intricate and ornate designs perhaps more indicative of a western perception of antique Chinese furniture. It is the Ming influence which the Zenzu designers use as a style canvas from which to develop the wider collection of oriental furniture.

With this Ming furniture style providing the genesis of most pieces, our designers then take influence from many other sources including early 1900s colonial era Shanghai, Bauhaus and rustic French / Italian. We are open to new ideas and concepts and many of the made to measure pieces that are commissioned by our customers are developed and then incorporated into the main collection.

It is essential that our pieces are fashioned with an aesthetic appeal to a contemporary audience but it is equally important that both exterior and interior dimensions are designed for practical use. Our interiors provide much needed storage flexibility and include removable hanger rails, deep drawers, and removable shelves. The exteriors also focus on a modern need and include features such as retractable doors, skirting board overhangs, and space for television cabling.

If you would like to investigate the commission of a specific furniture style that you have in mind, please call the Zenzu office to discuss our made to measure service. 01297 444496.