PERSONALIZED STUDIES

Shu zhai is Chinese for ‘study room’, and has a place of special significance even in contemporary China because of its legacy inherited from the traditional scholar’s study that we see in some of the following pages. But whereas the formalized study of, say, a Ming man of letters, followed a prescribed layout and inventory of possessions and writing tools, modern studies are intensely personal places that suit the habits and needs of the owner. They can be entire and substantial rooms with library shelving, or simply a favorite or idiosyncratic desk and chair in the corner of a living space or bedroom. As the varied decors here show, anything and everything can be utilized, from modern furniture designed with playful but elegant reference to Ming styles, to an antique table. It matters only that the resulting work surface, space and ambience help to create an inspirational atmosphere for the individual.

Plain white-lacquered furniture designed by Harrison Liu evolves classical Chinese themes, while the etched-glass wall in the foreground, painted with a Silk Road motif, adds an exotic flavor.

In a classical Chinese-themed two-level apartment, a Ming table with stool is used as a desk in a quiet corner. Contemporary wall shelving blends with the simplicity of the Ming antiques.

The library in the Manhattan apartment of enthusiastic collectors of Chinese furniture. A marble-topped mid-nineteenth century Chinese barrel stool made of hong mu wood provides occasional seating while browsing the bookshelves.

Inspired by traditional designs, a desk and chair are lacquered bright red.

An antique desk, chair and mirror in a Hong Kong apartment. The mirror was framed using a wooden carving originally from a Chinese wedding bed.