Caring for your antique Chinese furniture

Asian Treasures imports 18^th & 19^th century Chinese antique furniture to Denver directly from China. Most of the pieces originate in Southern or South Central China where it is quite humid. Due to Colorado’s extremely dry climate and the use of forced air heating and air conditioning, it is very common for this furniture to go through a period of expansion or contraction. During this process, some splitting or warping may occur. This phenomenon, which happens with furniture imported to Colorado from almost any place (e.g. England, France, Italy and even other parts of the United States), is not limited to antique furniture.

There are a few things that can be done that MIGHT help prevent or minimize the environmental trauma to furniture:

The ideal condition for furniture is a stable atmosphere with fluctuations ranging between a relative humidity of 40-70% and a temperature of 60-75 F. Operating a humidifier or putting a glass of water inside or underneath the furniture will help to maintain the right level of humidity. Potted plants or flowers placed near the furniture is also helpful.
Avoid placing furniture next to radiators, hot air vents, air conditioners or open windows.
Keep the furniture out of direct or strong sunlight as the color will fade or change from sun exposure.
Change the position of objects left on the furniture. Pieces left in a permanent position may cause uneven fading.
Handle with care. Careless handling or moving of furniture may cause damage.
Never place hot or wet dishes directly onto the surface of any furniture.

Following are suggestions for proper maintenance for antique Chinese furniture:

Oil the furniture frequently, inside and out, with a high quality furniture oil such as Johnson’s lemon oil (do not ever use linseed oil or a silicone polish)..
Do not use abrasive kitchen cleaners, Pledge or other commercial cleaners on furniture
Wax with a high quality wax such as Black Bison. Waxing does not have to be done more than about every 6 months.
Dust regularly and rub with a dry soft cloth.
For persistent marks, rub with a chamois leather cloth dipped in warm water with a drop of vinegar added.

Based on extensive consultation with local and foreign experts in antique restoration and repair, we strongly recommend, that should cracking or splitting occur during the environmental adjustment the furniture requires, that these changes be tolerated for at least one full year (4 seasons) or even a bit longer. By then, the expansions and/or contractions in the wood will have settled. Then if you chose to, you can have your antique repaired although there is no guarantee it will not continue to suffer some changes. If you require it, we can recommend repair professionals.

To fully enjoy your antique furniture, whether from China or elsewhere, you must accept that no antique is “perfect”. Some cracking and splitting, especially in the Colorado climate, is almost unavoidable but each piece deserves to be loved for what it is.