BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The future for traditional Chinese furniture will be promising, with more foreigners showing interest in the Chinese culture, analysts said yesterday.

    "Traditional Chinese furniture has become increasingly popular in Western countries in recent years," said Cao Yingchao, secretary-general with the China National Furniture Association. "In the past, most foreign buyers were from Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. But now, the demand from European countries, in particular, is rising quickly."

    The trend is reflected at the ongoing China International Export Antique Furniture Fair 2004 which runs through Saturday at INTEX Shanghai.

    More than 100 traditional Chinese furniture-makers showcased their products at the fair. From wooden wardrobes curved with subtle dragon carving to beds modeled on those of emperors in ancient times and various tea tables, stools and screens, these items can bring people back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.

    "It is so beautiful and special," said Amanda Lack Clark, managing director with Altfield, a London-based furniture trading company. "People in Britain will be curious about such furniture and it will be a profitable business for sure."

    Traditional Chinese furniture, mostly Ming and Qing Dynasty replicas, is usually made of rare and expensive mahogany or rosewood. Thus the price for a set of five-piece traditional Chinese furniture is usually above 100,000 yuan (US$12,048). Besides, traditional Chinese furniture can only be made by craftsman. The limited quantity of the products makes it more precious.

    "It is a culture-related industry. The value of our products will grow with the times," said Shao Liling, an exhibitor with Shanghai G-E-Tang Antique Co Ltd.

    Shao said nearly 60 percent of its products are shipped to foreign countries. The small scale of production is a barrier to industry growth.

    "We only have 50 craftspersons. It is hard for us to raise the production even if the demand rises," said Yao Hongling, general manager with Ren Home-Rose Wood Mill.

    The mill was passed on to Yao from his great-grandfather.

    It has annual sales of around 2 million yuan.

(Shanghai Daily)