Specializes in fine Chinese antique furniture and objets d'art.
CONTES D'ORIENT
Showroom:
G/F, 52 Hollywood Road,
Central, Hong Kong
Tel:(852)2815 9422 Fax:(852)3010 4298
Email: info@contesdorient.com
Warehouse:
Rm. 1207-1210, 12F., Hing Wai Center
7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Tel:(852)2554 0200 Fax:(852)2554 7953
Open by Appointment Only.
Please phone (852)2815 9422.
Gallery Oi Ling:
85 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel:(852)2964 0554
email: info@galleryoiling.com
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 The
restoration and refinishing process is arguably the most important aspect
in dealing with Chinese antique furniture. Proper restoration of a piece
can mean the difference of thousands of dollars in its value.
When
sourcing furniture in China, we sometimes come across pieces that have been
properly maintained and are in great condition - requiring very little or
no restoration at all. These pieces are extremely rare and are thus very
expensive.
Most of the furniture we find has been in use for well over one hundred years without any regular maintenance or restoration.
 If a piece is restored without using the proper tools and techniques, the patina of the wood can be destroyed.
Patina is the natural texture and graininess of the wood that is only brought out through years of use and natural ageing.
Because there weren't any nails or pins used in the original construction
(instead carpenters of old used different forms of tongue and groove or mortise
and tenon construction), complete restoration is possible without any damage
to the wood. However, without the proper knowledge, tools and techniques,
a piece can be badly damaged and even destroyed.
Proper Care
To ensure that your antique furniture retains its natural beauty for longer, proper care is important.
As Chinese antique furniture was made of wind-dried wood, it is natural for the wood to react to the changes of weather.
Therefore it is acceptable for the panel of a piece of furniture to move a bit when the weather changes drastically.
However,
splitting should not occur if the piece of furniture is restored properly
as during construction of a piece of furniture, the carpenter had already
included the contraction and expansion factor into the piece by using joints
and wooden pegs.
The following steps can help minimize risks and help your furniture to retain its shape and beauty for longer:
- Place a humidifier in the room, especially during the winter months. If possible, keep the humidifier close to your pieces.
- Avoid placing the furniture in direct sunlight.
- Do not place antique furniture near a fireplace or high temperature areas like near radiators and heating ducts.
- Always lift furniture to move it. Don't drag it.
Keeping your furniture clean and free of dust grime is important. We recommend the following:
- Dust the furniture often to remove abrasive particles from wood surfaces.
- Surfaces can also be cleaned with a mild alkaline soap and water
solution. Moisten a cloth with the mixture and gently rub the surface by
following the texture of the wood grain. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.
- Apply bees wax every 3 to 4 months.
Please contact us if you ever have any queries regarding your antique furniture.
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