» American Colonial » Art Deco & Retro » Arts and Crafts » Asian » Baroque » Biedermeier » British Colonial » Chippendale » Colonial » Contemporary » Empire » English Country » European » French Provincial » Furniture » Furniture Guide » Industrial Modern » Lodge » Louis XV » Mission Style & Arts... » Neo-Classic » Outdoor Patio & Indoor... » Queen Anne » Regency » Rustic » Scandinavian » Shaker » Southwestern » Traditional » Transitional » Victorian Asian The Asian influence in furniture dates back to the 17th century when trade routes were established between China, Western Europe, and the Americas. Traditional style furniture attributes for chairs, chests, and tables employ the shapely curves of pagoda buildings or yokes worn by harnessed ox. Decoration may be carved geometric patterns, or a combination of pagodas, birds, and dragons. More elaborate designs may be created with mother of pearl inlay or colored wood marquetry. Woods include teak, bamboo, with black or red lacquer finishes also common. Occasionally more traditional woods such as mahogany and/or walnut may be used. Hardware is visible and often exaggerated in scale, usually brass or pewter. Today's designs take inspiration from the past, yet the lines and motifs are simplified and streamlined giving furnishings a more modern look.