Taiwan in Retrospect ~ Article 3
The focus of the family and the center of the house was the ancestral hall. It occupied the most important position in the middle of the building, always facing out into a courtyard. Its purpose was the most important and its roof the highest. Primarily a place for important ceremonies and meals, it was where family ancestor portraits or tablets were displayed along with small deities. The altar and offering tables provided settings for presentations of food, gifts, or incense. It could also serve as a reception room for important guests.
The rooms at either side of the ancestor hall, which may have been in one or two pairs, contained the bedrooms of the elders. The side buildings usually contained the bedrooms of the younger generations or general use rooms such as kitchen or storage rooms. Throughout the house a formalized hierarchy of room use extended from the ancestor hall, to the elder’s rooms at either side, to the younger generation’s rooms at the head of the wings, to the servant’s quarters, store rooms, and places for animals at the front of the wings. When additional side wings were added, the hierarchy continued from the wings in the center , spreading to the outer ones in the lowest position. The relative importance of each room was expressed by the height of the roof, with the ancestor hall having the highest and the wings stepping down from the back to the front and from side to side.
All other rooms, including the bedrooms with the exception of the kitchen, were more or less the same in size and design. The kitchen was the most permanent part of the house and was often set up in a small side room to be looked after by servants or the eldest daughter-in-law.
Featured Collection
Hsing Jyu Altar Table
This Taiwanese altar table is a fascinating example of how traditional Chinese forms evolved and adapted, creating a uniquely regional design identity in Taiwan. Crafted from incense cedar, it features a long, slender floating panel top, and clean, straight lines typical of the Hsing Jyu style. The open fretwork in a geometric key carved apron runs beneath the top and repeats down the table’s legs showcasing ink paintings of geometric design and intricate beadwork. This classic Hsing Jyu altar table is constructed of mortise and tenon joints typical of the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.
A floating panel top is a hallmark of high-quality traditional furniture, allowing the solid wood to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity without cracking, and provides both elegant support and structural stability.
Taiwanese traditional furniture has distinct characteristics that evolved from mainland Chinese styles, often blending Han Chinese traditions with local craftsmanship and materials like Taiwanese precious woods, leading to unique regional designs.
SKU: 04055 ~. Camphor. Hsing Jyu, Taiwan. Late 1800. 107H x 182.88W x 45.72L cm
Taiwanese Kitchen Cabinet
This kitchen cabinet stands as a remarkable example of traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship, showcasing the functional elegance of historic domestic furniture. Crafted from durable Jya Dung and Michelia wood, this handsome tall cabinet features a clean, well-proportioned silhouette designed to meet the rigorous demands of daily life. Its upper and lower sections are fitted with traditional louvered and slatted doors, which were ingeniously engineered to provide continuous air circulation while safeguarding the contents inside.
Historically serving as a kitchen cabinet or food safe, this cabinet played a vital role in food preservation long before modern refrigeration. Households relied on its ventilated structure to store perishable items such as cooked dishes, cooking condiments, preserved vegetables, salted fish, cured meats, and eggs, keeping them safe in a warm and humid climate.
Beyond its slatted doors the cabinet incorporates clever traditional design elements, including a central open shelf and two small drawers for added organization. An ingenious pest-control feature seen in many households was small bowls of water placed beneath each leg to prevent crawling insects from reaching the food.
SKU: 9040 ~ Camphor. Taiwan. Mid to late 1800. 183.5H x 108W x 54D cm.
Traditional Square Stool
This traditional square stool dating from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, stands as a fine example of regional craftsmanship that reflects Taiwan’s rich natural resources through the use of durable and stable Machilus wood. Structurally, it features a practical wide drawer, beaded square legs, and a solid top that offers wonderful versatility. In a traditional home, it would serve dual purposes as extra seating or a convenient small side table, with a design that heavily emphasizes everyday functionality and simple elegance.
Historically serving as a kitchen cabinet or food safe, This robust, multi-purpose stool played a vital role in food preservation long before modern refrigeration. Households relied on its ventilated structure to store perishable items such as cooked dishes, cooking condiments, preserved vegetables, salted fish, cured meats, and eggs, keeping them safe in a warm and humid climate. Beyond its slatted doors, the cabinet incorporates clever traditional design elements including a central open shelf and two small drawers for added organization, as well as an ingenious pest-control feature: small bowls of water placed beneath each leg to effectively prevent crawling insects from reaching the food.
SKU: 02072 ~ Machilus. Taiwan. Late 1800 to early 1900. 48.3H x 43.8W x 40.6D cm
A Unique Pair of Side Tables
A unique pair of side tables, crafted from incense cedar and originating from Taiwan, dating back to the mid to late 1800s. They feature a very balanced design with recessed tops and humpbacked spandrels, resting on rectangular legs with horse hoof feet.
These tables reflect a design lineage that goes back to the Song dynasty that was widely reproduced in the Ming and Qing periods. During the Qing Dynasty pieces like this, featuring incense cedar and horse hoof feet, were common in households, particularly in the main halls or studies where they were used for displaying decorative items, holding tea, or simply as functional side tables.
Because of the durable nature and pleasant aroma of incense cedar, this wood was often chosen for furniture to help protect against pests and decay.
SKU: 01974AB ~ Incense Cedar. Taiwan. Mid to late 1800. 91H x 94.4W x 50D cm
Article 3 of a 4-part campaign about the rich history and cultural evolution of traditional Taiwanese furniture. All furniture shown are part of the Bai Win Collection.
Each of these pieces tells a unique story of Taiwan’s craftsmanship and heritage. Would you like to explore more items from the Bai Win Collection? Visit our website to browse the full catalog.
Authors: Faye Angevine, Founder. I Adam McMillan 年安瀾, Curator
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