Oriental Heritage Furniture – Timeless Treasures for the Home

Lotus Arts de Vivre has been acquiring Oriental furniture since the 1970s when Rolf von Bueren started visiting China and Japan on his tireless search for styles, techniques and perspectives employed by master-craftsmen. The pieces he collected over the years included designs that revelled in the aesthetic qualities of objects in everyday life, such as rosewood tables—which are extremely prized by collectors worldwide—and Japanese lacquer, a technique in Japanese history that expanded artistic expression.

This collection, therefore, boasts top-quality pieces in terms of provenance, age, wood quality, construction, design and craftsmanship, the combination of which contribute to the rarity and value of each piece in the market now. Von Bueren acknowledges that it is necessary to have a keen eye, extreme patience in the time-consuming process of seeking out the best pieces, research and knowledge, not to mention good timing, in making discerning acquisitions, as well as a reliable network of agents on the ground to act as eyes and ears. Usage of each piece is also an indicator of the value of the pieces; since they reflect the level of pleasure and luxury pursued by the wealthy – nobles, royal courts and wealthy aristocratic households of Asia.

The rate of deforestation and scarcity of hardwood around the world is another reason that Oriental heritage furniture cannot be replaced. South America and Africa are currently suffering the highest loss of forest area, and although Europe and Asia have been very slowly regaining their forest cover, the rate of gain has also dropped in the past decade. Despite the gain, primary forests, or naturally regenerated forests of native tree species, continue to decline globally.

Many pieces found in Japan were originally made in China and exported 200-300 years ago. The current trend for Oriental furniture in the Chinese market means that rare pieces are now much sought after by Chinese buyers who scour auction houses to acquire the best pieces, driving up prices to an astonishing degree. Among these newly crafted items are lamps made of antique painted Japanese fans and other materials.

Apart from Oriental heritage pieces, Lotus Arts de Vivre has also collaborated with Muse Design, which upholds a similar philosophy of using old-fashioned, handcrafted processes which render the most beautiful results of new pieces that embrace a modern aesthetic vision.

Highlight pieces: Oriental Heritage Furniture Collection

Bonsai Lamp with Japanese Fans

An artistic Japanese Bonsai lamp decorated with antique Japanese fans from the early 19th century and the bonsai coloured in gold paint. Set on a black base, this piece is a lamp during the evening and transformed into a piece of art during the day. From artistic conceptualization to design to finishing, this piece took more than 1.5 months, with nine craftsmen and designers involved at various stages.

Bonsai Tree with Scallop Shells

Beautiful Bonsai Tree created from Sterling silver tree, decorated with scallop shells as its leaves. Set in a pot. It took over six months and 20 skilled artisans to bring this piece to Life. From artistic conceptualization to design to finishing this piece, took more than 1.5 months with over nine craftsmen and designers involved at various stages.

Lotus Leaf Lamp

A stunning lotus leaf lamp with a terracotta vase which has been painted and textured seamlessly with Lotus leaves designs. The lotus flowers have two formations, one being dried lotus flowers painted in gold while the other is mulberry paper covered lotus flowers held on by brass to aluminium tubes covered in textile. Set on a black base this piece is a lamp during the evening and transformed into a piece of art during the day. From artistic conceptualization to design to finishing this piece, took more than 1.5 months with nine craftsmen and designers involved at various stages.

Chimpanzee Sculpture/Table with Box Wood

A charming organic formation of box wood designed with a sterling silver chimpanzee. The piece can be used as a sculpture décor, as well as a low coffee table. After sourcing these extremely valuable organic formations of box wood, it took approximately 10 weeks of labour to create this piece with eight designers and craftsmen involved.

Bamboo Stool with Gold Leaf

Elegantly cut bamboo strips interlaced into an elegant contemporary stool. To make natural strand woven bamboo the bamboo is cut, stripped down, shredded into fibre strands, woven together and strengthened with resin. A touch of gold leaf adds contract to the beautiful brown stool. The piece took 2-3 weeks to design, craft and finish.

Japanese Lacquer Cabinet with Bamboo Forest Motifs

Sophisticated Japanese lacquer shelf with bamboo and forest motifs from the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912), made in 1880-1900. The shelf has been decorated in Maki-e lacquer and the shelf is made from rosewood. Maki-e (literally: sprinkled picture) is Japanese lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powder onto a thick layer of lacquer as a decoration, a complicated and highly refined and time-consuming application.

Discover precious items and glamorous artworks in the ‘Heritage & Beyond’ collection at the Theatre of Indulgence Gallery (Rama III) from now until May 31. The exhibition is open for public from 10 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday. For appointments, please contact 089-667-6077 or visit www.lotusartsdevivre.com