What are the main functions of Xia, Shang and Zhou furniture?

Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties are the embryonic stage of China's early furniture and the gestation period of China's traditional culture. Various types of furniture have appeared, which are few and simple, and often have multiple uses. For example, a bed is both a bedding and a seat. However, there are few written records and painting descriptions reflecting the history of furniture in this era.

In Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, the form of ancient furniture in China was mainly kneeling on the floor, which conformed to the living habits at that time. The embryonic form of later furniture can also be seen at this time: the mat is the beginning of the bed, the copper cloth and several are the ancestors of the console table, the ritual class is the predecessor of the cabinet, and the axe is the pioneer of the screen.

During the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, the religious consciousness of worshipping heaven and earth was formed, and its furniture became a tool for people to communicate with God or show the prominence of imperial power, with a strong mysterious religious color. The use function of furniture is mainly sacrificial vessels, and the shape adopts symmetrical and regular format and stable and solemn straight line, which reflects the sense of majesty, mystery and solemnity.