Hongmu Furniture Donated by Liu Guojun
Introduction:
This article is an English adaptation of a piece originally published by the Changzhou Museum (常州博物馆) on October 31, 2024. It presents the Liu Guojun Donated Hongmu Furniture Exhibition, highlighting the cultural value of Liu Guojun’s donation and its significance for the heritage of Changzhou.
Additional Notes:
This English version has been adapted for accessibility to English-speaking readers, with minor adjustments made for clarity. All images and captions are sourced from the original publication, with copyrights retained by their original creators, included to honor the spirit and details of the initial work. The original article in Chinese is available for viewing here.
Liu Guojun’s Donation of Hongmu Furniture Exhibition Opens for Lunar New Year
A hall filled with hongmu welcomes the New Year! Following renovations, the “Liu Guojun Donated Hongmu Furniture Exhibition” at the Changzhou Museum will officially open to the public on February 10, 2024 (the first day of the Lunar New Year).
Mr. Liu Guojun was a renowned patriotic industrialist in China, celebrated as a “pride of national industry.” He was not only one of the founders of modern national industry in Changzhou but also made significant contributions to the establishment and development of China’s modern textile and dyeing sector. Changzhou was the starting point of Liu Guojun’s industrial efforts to serve the nation and became his second hometown. In his later years, as an avid collector, Liu generously donated more than 90 pieces of hongmu furniture and over 300 paintings and calligraphy works to Changzhou, reflecting his deep affection for the city.
The upgraded exhibition is divided into five sections:
- “Weaving Dreams in Jiangnan” – introduces Liu Guojun’s life story and his donated paintings and calligraphy.
- “The Beauty of Hongmu” – analyzes the materials and styles of rosewood furniture.
- “Crafted Creations” – showcases diverse hongmu furniture forms such as tables, chairs, and screens.
- “Elegance in Arrangement” – recreates interior settings including a main hall, side hall, and study.
- “Ingenious Craftsmanship” – offers interactive, educational activities for visitors.
In total, 44 pieces of hongmu furniture are on display, primarily made of old hongmu (large red sandalwood). With their rich, elegant hues and exquisite craftsmanship, these works perfectly embody the standards and characteristics of traditional hardwood furniture from the late Qing and Republican periods. They provide valuable insight into the artistry, design, and cultural significance of hongmu furniture, while also contributing to the preservation and promotion of China’s outstanding traditional culture.
This Lunar New Year, let us gather at the Changzhou Museum to appreciate the profound heritage and artistic charm of rosewood furniture together.
