Centuries-old furniture withstands the test of time

An ongoing exhibition displays Ming furniture in modern settings to demonstrate that the ancient era's aesthetics blend with today's.

The show by China Guardian Auctions in Beijing's 798 art zone also commemorates the centennial of the birth of Wang Shixiang (1914-2009), who's hailed as the "father of classical Chinese furniture".

Wang defined Ming furniture as pieces fashioned from valuable hardwood during the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.