The 1970s: Furniture Self-Reliance

Han Ping got married in 1977, before China had implemented the policy of reform and opening-up. Consumer goods were in short supply then, and still quite expensive. Even if one could afford furniture, it could not be obtained without presenting state-issued furniture coupons. Han Ping embarked on the rounds, soliciting help and backdoor influence, and finally, to make his purchase – the unforgettable, defining experience of the era – standing in line overnight. Han Ping recalled his determination "To get that wardrobe for the bridal chamber, I stood in line for hours, coupon in hand."

An ordinary family in Shanghai tries out their new living room set, 1979.

Soon after, Han Ping and his younger brother made simple sofas for their parents and their own families, which was a fad at the time. Many people added to their furnishing with "do it yourself" items. A typical domestic job had two armrests and four legs, with a cushion made by installing springs muffled by a layer of cotton. Then the whole thing was wrapped in cloth. To the average family, sofas were objects of desire seen only in films and regarded therefore as "luxury items" tainted by the "bourgeois lifestyle." But in a social environment enjoying the effect of gradual exposure to the world, the sofa soon became the most prized of household goods to show off.

When Han Ping was enjoying the sofa he made himself, many migrant workers from the countryside were walking the streets. The most welcome were carpenters who brought their simple woodworking tools with them. Sometimes a carpenter could make the round of an entire neighborhood, working continuously, while across the street other migrant workers waited for employers with a signboard reading "making wardrobes and cabinets," "installing ceilings" and "interior wall decoration." They were known as "streetside guerrillas." People were transforming their old furniture and adding new items.

The 1980s: "Keeping Up with the Chans"

Following the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, material shortages gradually eased and various kinds of "coupons" began to fade out of circulation. People had more means of earning money, and the absorption with "political movements" faded, awakening in people an interest in consumer goods to beautify their homes.

In this decade, double-door wardrobes and folding round tables were replaced by objects with diverse design influences. The mood people were in now, seeking a comfortable life and beautiful home, was no longer considered inordinately ambitious but a rather normal expectation. Complete "coordinated" sets appeared for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Since wardrobes, double beds, tables and desks were supported by four legs, people began to describe sets of furniture by the total number of legs – "36 legs" or "48 legs." The number of legs in one's home was an indicator for 'keeping up with the Chans." When a young woman considered her choice of marriage partner, whether or not the suitor had prepared "48 legs" before the wedding was certainly a factor.