The Chinese New Year, or more authentically the Spring Festival (春节Chūn Jié), is around the corner and it’s the Ox Year! For 2021, the New Year Day falls upon 12th February but the Chinese would celebrate a little earlier than that.

As the pandemic reemerges, people all over the world are spending more time at home than ever. Views on our surroundings and how we manage our domestic spaces also seem to be collectively reshaped, as home becomes our refuge from the crazy world outside more than ever.

Yes, the Bauhaus once said ‘form follows function’, and it is what some people apply to their interior design choices, but we at YOA look at it a bit differently, because if you can get a combo treat then why not? The reason being: when it’s Chinese furniture or decorative pieces, they likely come along with an art piece!

For any Chinese culture enthusiast out there, or if you’ve been learning Chinese for quite a while, it’s very possible that you have come across the “Four Great Treasures of the Study” at some point (your laoshi would certainly mention them!). But if you haven’t, this post is a good start! Let’s get familiar with them and their significance regarding Chinese penmanship culture.