<DIV>The international market for antique Chinese furniture is booming, and masterpieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. <i>Chinese Furniture</i> is a survey of these collectibles<I>-</I>from the very best hardwood pieces featured to standard softwood specimens still available on the Asian market. The book presents an overview of carving styles, wood types, regional variations, class distinctions and restoration techniques.<br><br>With this renewed interest in antique furniture, a forgery market has emerged. Thousands of factories in southern China are churning out brand new or refurbished furniture and passing them off as antiques. <i>Chinese Furniture</i> unearths these forgeries and serves as an indispensable reference guide to collectors.</div>