Rare rosewood five-screen throne Period: Qing, Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1736-1796)

Furniture made from rosewood, or zitan in Chinese, is extremely rare and usually reserved only for the use of emperors as the color of this slow-growing tropical hardwood is considered imperial. This well-crafted throne is special as its four legs are all carved with elephants.

A pair of rare rosewood seven-tiered pagodas Period: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

This was a gift that the Emperor Qianlong sent to his mother, who was a faithful Buddhist. It was also an expression of the emperor’s filial piety. Originally there were 48 Buddhist statues placed on the pagodas, The pair of pagodas were bought at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong.

Fragrant rosewood dressing table with dragon and phoenix motifs Period: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Huanghuali, or fragrant rosewood, is the hardwood grown mainly in Guangdong and Hainan provinces. The timber is red and has a fragrance that the Chinese liken to incense. The antique dressing table is rare for its intricate carvings and inlaid decoration. The patterns of the dragon (representing the king) and phoenix (the queen) show it was used for the imperial household.