"The mortise and tenon structure symbolizes cohesion, unity and harmony. Inspired by this, I created a set of furniture pieces called "Same Dream" to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. It took one year to complete." All-China Federation of Ret

"The mortise and tenon structure symbolizes cohesion, unity and harmony. Inspired by this, I created the furniture set "Same Dream" to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, which took one year to complete." Returned overseas Chinese across China said Chen Yushu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Federation and a Hong Kong classical furniture artist.

Chen Yushu’s work "The Same Dream" Photo provided by the interviewee

Talking about the creation of "The Same Dream"

"I feel extremely proud to be able to use classical furniture to freeze and commemorate such a historic moment." Chen Yushu has put in a lot of "efforts" in the design. : The horseshoe-leg patterned table represents the four seas and symbolizes the motherland; the patterned turtle-legged stool is shaped like the Chinese character "Hui", and the turtle foot under the stool is a homophone for "gui". The four patterned stools surrounding the main table imply that Hong Kong and Macao compatriots cherish their motherland.

Under Chen Yushu's carving knife, every carving contains blessings for a better tomorrow for the "Pearl of the Orient". The red wood represents Chinese red, which is the favorite color of the Chinese nation, representing celebration, liveliness and peace; the geometric pattern of the "return pattern" is neatly folded horizontally and vertically, and the wishful patterns on the horizontal bars are graceful and smooth, which means everything goes well. a good sign. "Between tenon and tenon, the two pieces of wood seem to have grown together through repeated polishing, and will never be separated again. This coincides with the artistic conception of 'same roots, same dream, and same soul'." Chen Yushu said.

talks about Hong Kong in his mind

In 2019, Chen Yushu established the Hong Kong Four Gentlemen Cultural Center with the dream of "telling the world about the charm of oriental classics". In his view, Hong Kong is an important platform to showcase the charm of Chinese classical furniture art. “Through the blending and accumulation of Chinese and Western cultures, the diverse cultural atmosphere enriches the color of life in this international city. In the collision of Chinese and Western cultures, it becomes even more consistent.” The pulse of Chinese culture.”

The lights on both sides of Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong are bright. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Wei

Many of Chen Yushu’s works are inextricably linked to Hong Kong. As early as 2018, he moved his study "Jingshe", which he had built for half a year, to the Hong Kong Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition to show the "most Chinese" study room culture and antique oriental atmosphere to cultural calligraphers and painters from all over the world. He told reporters, "If Chinese classical furniture is a book that reflects the elegant and exquisite life of the ancients, then Hong Kong can open a new page for this tranquil and textured aesthetic conception. Based in Hong Kong, I have seen more Tell the world about the possibilities of traditional Chinese culture and classical wood carving art.”

In the past few years, Chen Yushu has had a panoramic view of the development and changes in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Palace Museum , which has been in preparation for many years, will be launched in July, which he is looking forward to very much. "The mainland and Hong Kong are closely connected through cultural ties. I hope that after the opening of the museum, we will have the opportunity to see the national treasures and cultural relics from the Palace Museum ."

"Hong Kong is becoming a center for cultural and artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries. Artists can use Hong Kong's unique geographical location The advantage of the location is to showcase the excellent traditional Chinese culture to the world. More importantly, Hong Kong’s culture is rooted in the soil of traditional Chinese culture, integrating Chinese and Western culture, and is inclusive of all things.” Chen Yushu felt deeply.

Chen Yushu is creating. Photo provided by interviewee

Talking about classical woodworking techniques

Chen Yushu was born in a family of carpenters in Putian, Fujian. The shipbuilding industry gave birth to the skillful skills of Fujian furniture. Chen Yushu has been familiar with woodwork since he was a child.

He introduced that classical woodworking techniques were invented by Lu Ban during the Spring and Autumn Period more than 500 BC, and have been developed for more than 2,000 years. "The appearance of classical woodwork shows the moderation of Confucian , and the inner part reflects the emptiness of Taoism and the harmony of Buddhism. The three constitute the Chinese beauty of classical woodwork art, combining metaphysical "techniques" with metaphysical "Tao" has found a way to express both form and spirit for the realm of the unity of nature and man in woodworking skills, vividly demonstrating the unique beauty of the Chinese style."

" As a symbol of Chinese style, Chinese classical furniture carries a profound cultural heritage. I hope to start from Hong Kong, inherit and innovate the 'expression' of this ancient skill in a contemporary context, and bring Chinese classical furniture to the world. Tell the stories behind thousand-year-old materials and thousand-year-old craftsmanship to museums around the world, and appreciate the elegance of Chinese civilization with foreign friends. "Chen Yushu said.

Author/Editor: Jin Xu

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