Discover the art of woodworking.

History of woodworking

Woodworking history can be traced back to the primitive era, where ancient tribes created woodworks primarily for utilitarian uses. Most of the early woodworking crafts were utilized for survival, such as tools used for hunting and building homes.

In early civilizations, the craft of woodworking was primarily employed and utilized by the Chinese civilization and the Egyptian civilization.

Most of the early forms of woodworking were preserved in Egyptian furniture and drawings, which were preserved in Egyptian burial places.

In woodworking history, Ancient Egyptians invented the art of veneering and used varnishes whose composition is not known as finishes.

In the early Chinese civilization, "Lu Ban" and his wife "Lady Yun" were known as the originators of the craft of woodworking. They were both from the "Spring and Autumn period," an age in the Chinese history between 722 BC and 481 BC. Lu Ban's teachings in woodworking were said to be the foundation of the Chinese woodworking craft. In his book, "Manuscripts of Lu Ban," he described the correct measurements to be used when making tables, flower pots, furniture, etc.

In fact, in the history of woodworking, the Chinese' craft of woodworking was one of the famous woodwork arts because they created furniture without using the typical joining tools such as nails and glue.

As civilization developed throughout the years, human skills developed. People continued to learn more advanced techniques, strategies, and designs in woodworking, and woodworking became works of art.

As the concept of woodworking developed and expanded, many skills and practices had been developed and improved. Some of the well known skills are carpentry, parquetry, marquetry, wood carving, and cabinetry. All of these pertain to the wonderful and artistic concept of woodworking craft.

Indeed, the craft of woodworking had undergone many changes throughout history. One can surmise that the craft of woodworking isn't just a "skilled art" but can also be considered as history itself.

Woodwork Appraisal Prerequisites

The art of appraisal means being able to determine something's overall value after careful scrutiny and analysis. It is often associated with jewelry and antique dealers, who study rare and valuable items in an effort to determine what buying price those items may garner from collectors.

While there are also antique woodwork collectors, learning the necessary skills for antique woodwork appraisals isn't something you can learn overnight or even in a simple short course. It is something you need to become familiar with and gain only through practical application and experience.
However, it IS possible, with a keen eye and a few prerequisite skills, to at least be able to appraise regular woodwork. This form of appraisal doesn't really involve determining an item's price with collectors, but rather a more practical type of analysis which will allow you to determine an item's structural integrity and durability. Here are a few prerequisite skills and background knowledge you'll want to study if you intend to try your hand at woodwork appraisal.