红木家具中的“佛”与“禅”

Chinese rosewood furniture has a long and rich history, deeply intertwined with the culture of Buddhism. Many elements, such as the "Luohan Bed" and the "Eighteen Luohan Sculptures," reflect this connection. Rosewood furniture often features carvings depicting Buddhist stories, making it an essential part of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Buddhist civilization has profoundly influenced Chinese culture, shaping not only spiritual beliefs but also the evolution of furniture design. The wisdom of Zen Buddhism and the philosophical depth of literati have found their way into modern furniture design, showcasing a seamless blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics. Although Buddhism did not explicitly define its own aesthetic principles, its worldview, cosmology, and philosophy contain deep artistic values. Concepts like "the perfection of form" and "harmony" have inspired generations of designers to create pieces that carry a sense of balance and elegance.

Understanding the connection between Buddhism and Chinese furniture may seem surprising at first, but many of the furniture styles we use today originated from Buddhist influences. Around 67 AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Buddhism was introduced from India and gradually permeated all aspects of life, influencing not only people's thinking but also their daily habits, including how they sat and lived. This influence on classical Chinese furniture continues to this day.

The spread of Buddhism in China was not smooth. Over eight centuries, it interacted, clashed, and eventually merged with Chinese culture. From the Han to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, large-scale construction of temples and cave temples took place, bringing high-style furniture from India. The traditional practice of sitting on the floor was challenged. Later, during the Sui and early Tang dynasties, especially under the "Zhen Guan Era of Prosperity," Buddhism flourished, and high-style furniture became widely accepted in society.

The "Buddha Image" in Furniture During the Northern and Southern Dynasties

This period was marked by social unrest and war, causing people to seek spiritual relief. The Zen teachings of Buddhism provided comfort and direction. As a result, Buddhism thrived during the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties. Temples were built, statues were carved, and cave murals were created. As the poet Du Mu once wrote, "Four hundred and eighty temples in the Southern Dynasties, countless pavilions shrouded in mist and rain." This vividly reflects the era’s cultural landscape.

Artworks from sites like the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Yungang Grottoes, and Longmen Grottoes reveal foreign high-style seating such as the "Ropes Chair" (a type of chair), "Buddha Seat" (a cushion or stool), and "Huchuang" (a square stool). These items greatly influenced the development of Chinese furniture and the way people sat and lived.

For example, the "Ropes Chair" is essentially an early form of the chair. Though the term "chair" first appeared in the Tang Dynasty, it had already existed during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. It consisted of a backrest, armrests, a footrest, and a seat made of woven ropes. While different from modern chairs, it broke away from the traditional seating styles of the Qin and Han periods. A mural in Cave 285 of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves shows a Bodhisattva seated on a chair with a backrest, armrests, and a footrest. Historical records, such as the "Book of Jin," mention that Indian monks often used a "Ropes Chair" or "Zen Chair." Thus, the introduction of these high-style seats into China was a historical reality.

The "Buddha Seat" (or "Dun") evolved significantly after being introduced to China. It came in various shapes—square, round, or barrel-shaped—and could be solid or hollow. In his work "Jin Hui Er Dui," Wang Shixiang described a wine-jar-shaped seat with open sides for light, decorated with patterns like arches, open panels, and lotus motifs. Despite its diversity, it still reflected the Gandhara style of India, showing a deep connection between Chinese stools and Indian Buddha seats.

The "Buddha Influence" in Furniture During the Sui and Tang Dynasties

From the late Northern and Southern Dynasties through the Sui and early Tang dynasties, Buddhism experienced a second golden age. With the unification under the Sui and the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, especially during the "Zhen Guan Era," Buddhism flourished. As many Tang emperors were devout Buddhists, the religion gained widespread influence. Buddhist furniture, once simple and elegant from India, became more colorful and elaborate in China, shaped by the creativity of Tang artisans. The designs were dignified, ornate, and diverse.

For instance, the "four-legged square stool" from India became popular in the Tang Dynasty. It evolved from a basic four-legged design into various forms, such as square stools, long benches, and moon-shaped benches. In the mural of Cave 323 in Dunhuang, the square stool retains the shape of the Northern Wei period but features refined legs with traditional archways and flowing curves. This style significantly influenced later bench designs, appearing in both Tang and Song dynasty paintings. The moon-shaped bench, with its elegant form and luxurious decoration, matched the image of Tang aristocrats and represented a fusion of Buddhist and Tang cultural elements.

Chairs, originally the "Ropes Chair" or "Zen Chair" from India, became widespread in China during the Northern Wei period. In the tomb murals of Gao Yuanguan, there are chairs with curved backrests, armrests extending outward, and thick, sturdy legs. Similar designs appear in the Tang Dynasty murals of Cave 196 in Dunhuang, where the backrest and armrests also feature curved shapes, and the legs are slender at the top and thick at the bottom. This suggests that the elite of the time imitated Buddhist furniture styles.

The "Buddha Footprint" in Modern Furniture Design

"Buddhism is a lamp of the heart," offering insight into health, love, and beauty. More people are finding truth through this inner light. In modern cities, fast-paced and stressful lives often lead to exhaustion. People yearn for spaces that offer relaxation and simplicity, seeking a return to purity and nature. This desire for minimalism and natural aesthetics has become a key trend in contemporary design.

The concept of "Zen" has deeply influenced modern design, visible in interior design, environmental planning, furniture, and product design. Today, people prefer clean lines, minimalist styles, and a sense of quiet elegance. Zen-inspired furniture and arrangements are gaining popularity, reflecting a growing appreciation for simplicity and harmony.

The influence of "Buddha and Zen" extends beyond China, especially in Japan, where the culture is centered around Zen. Japanese furniture often embodies this aesthetic, using natural materials and simple, calm color schemes. The idea of a "Zen home" emphasizes tranquility, minimalism, and a connection to nature.  

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