The evolution of the chair
The evolution of Chinese furniture is centred around a significant social change; a move from traditions of living at the mat level to an adoption and adaptation of the chair. The Chinese were the only east Asian society to fully live at the chair level until modern times. Such a move has widespread ramifications. For example, people who live at the mat level typically seek to keep the floor smooth and clean and don't usually wear footwear inside. Having chairs and tables means that a wider range of floor surfaces can be used and wearing shoes inside is far more common.