The Ancient Chinese Reception Hall

The reception hall was an important part of an ancient Chinese house and was the largest and most elaborately decorated area. Various functions were held in the hall as sacrificial, wedding and funeral ceremonies as well as a reception area for greeting friends. The setting of the furniture in the hall varied according to the social function. Usually a long narrow table with recessed legs was placed in front of a central movable wooden wall. A folding chair and some armchairs were placed in front of the narrow table. Family members or relatives would be placed according to their respective positions in the family hierarchy. A solemn atmosphere usually pervaded this reception hall.