Taiwan in Retrospect ~ Article 1
How an Island Created Its Own Furniture Tradition
Taiwanese furniture design traces its origins to early southern Chinese settlers, primarily from Fujian, who brought traditional architectural and craftsmanship styles across the Taiwan Strait. The foundational elements of traditional southern Chinese homes—from structural form and functional utility to feng shui, family hierarchy, and ancestral reverence—remain visible in Taiwan’s historic residences today.
Although historical records acknowledge Taiwan as early as the 8th century, significant settlement began during the 12th century. A massive wave of immigration arrived in the 17th century following the fall of the Ming Dynasty, bringing traditional Southern Min (Fujian) architecture and woodworking techniques. In the decades leading up to the Japanese colonial period, these classic designs were preserved and became deeply integrated into everyday Taiwanese life across urban and rural homes.
To witness this woodworking heritage up close, we’ve pulled together some of Bai Win Collection’s antique Taiwanese furniture crafted from native Taiwanese timber. These historic pieces show how traditional Fujian craftsmanship evolved inside early Taiwanese homes, reflecting both functional ingenuity and the deep-rooted cultural values of their makers.
Coin Chest Shaped Bench
An unusual coin chest shaped bench with two slabbed top lifting lids, thick paneled sides and back, original square brass lock plates. From the guard house of the Wufeng Lin Family Mansion, Taiwan.
Originally from the guardhouse of the historic Lin family residence in Wufeng, Taiwan, this unique bench features two slabbed lifting-lid tops, thick paneled sides, and original square brass lock plates.
Stacked Apothecary Medicine Cabinet
Sourced from an authentic 19th-century medicine shop in Tainan, this stacked cabinet features hand-carved calligraphy drawer fronts denoting traditional herbs, two upper shelves, and double doors opening below.
02006AB – Camphor Wood. Tainan, Taiwan (Mid-1800s). 205H x 136W x 55D cm
Low Tea Table
This low tea table beautifully encapsulates the cross-cultural synthesis of the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), a defining era when Taiwan’s rich forestry and traditional joinery techniques met emerging Japanese domestic aesthetics. Designed for low-profile living on tatami flooring, these tables reflect the introduction of Japanese domestic customs into Taiwan’s culture.
The piece showcases a dense, load-bearing Jya Dung frame that provides exceptional structural stability, gracefully surrounding a warmly figured solid camphor center panel. The pairing of native hardwoods not only delivers a striking two-tone visual contrast but also honors local craftsmanship traditions. Tables like these become central hubs for daily rituals embodying cross-cultural adaptation where local materials were reinterpreted through a distinct regional lens.
SKU 0490 Jya-Dung Frame with Camphor Root Inset. Taiwan, Early 1900. 34H x 128W x 102.5D cm
Pair of Carved Incense Cedar Armchairs
A rare pair of 19th-century Taiwanese armchairs featuring splayed back splats in three sections: top carved “fu” (good luck) panels, middle faded ink landscape paintings, and bottom abstract lotus carvings. Completed with a carved front apron and exaggerated horse-hoof legs.
9085AB ~ Incense Cedar. Taiwan. Late 1800. 103H x 55.2W x 45.9D cm
19th-Century Kulin Desk
This early-to-mid 19th-century desk features a solid Kulin desk. Two drawers are outfitted with distinctive circular metal lock plates and ring pulls, while a removable lower stretcher shelf adds utility and stability.
0632 ~ Kulin wood. Taiwan. Early to Mid 1800. 86.995H x 101.6W x 51.435D cm
Carved Splayed Altar Table
An elaborate camphor altar table featuring upturned ends (everted flanges), flower and dragon-head spandrels, repoussé-style ribbon and bat carvings on the front legs, and side drawers.
01893 ~ Camphor. Taiwan. Early 1800. 110H x 203W x 60D cm
Dovetailed Merchant Coin Chest
Crafted for traditional merchant use, this large 19th-century coin chest features dovetail-joined camphor panels, two top lifting doors, and sturdy rectangular legs with a rich aged patina.
03737 ~ Camphor. Taiwan. Early 1800. 72H x 190W x 50D cm
Article 1 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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