A Huanghuali Wood Lohan Bed with Marble Panels, Ming Dynasty, 16th Century; 209(L) x 111(D) x 106(H)cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

A Huanghuali Wood Folding and Detachable Chair, Ming Dynasty, 16th Century; 64(L) x 84(D) x 108(H)cm. Courtesy Andy Hei.  

A Huanghuali Wood Long Table with Giant Arm Braces, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century; 169(L) x 53(D) x 79(H)cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

A Huanghuali Wood Altar Table with Flanges, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century; 128(L) x 29(D) x 87(H)cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

A pair of Huanghuali Wood Side Chairs, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century; 49(L) x 40(D) x 97(H)cm (each). Courtesy Andy Hei. 

A Huanghuali Wood Cloth Rack, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century; 137(L) x 59(D) x 196(H)cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

A pair of huanghuali square tables with triple aprons and stretchers, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century. H. 86 x D. 101 x L. 101 cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

Huanghuali and zitan were the most distinguished and expensive woods used for the highest quality Chinese furniture. The most prized examples date back to the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) periods, when elegant design, meticulous craftsmanship and beautiful wood grains contributed to the peak of Chinese classical furniture. 

For years there has been a debate among experienced collectors and new buyers as to whether antique Chinese furniture should be left in its found state with “original patina”, or whether it should be restored. This pair of huanghuali tables dating from the Ming Dynasty, 17th century, were found separately and illustrate perfectly the contrast between a piece with original patina and one which has been restored. Through this comparison, Andy Hei hopes to inspire young collectors to reflect on their own aesthetic taste and make up their own mind in this debate. 

A pair of Huanghuali Wood High Back Armchairs, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th century; 60(L) x 45(D) x 114(H) cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

A huanghuali detachable painting table, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th century. L. 108 x D. 69 x H. 81 cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

A huanghuali wood square corner book cabinet, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century. W. 103cm D. 52cm H. 185cm. Courtesy Andy Hei. 

Andy Hei. Classical Chinese Furniture, 84 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, China