The Chinese pingfeng (folding screen) is an ancient invention and traditional Chinese furniture(家具). Its earliest common use dates from the Han Dynasty. The term pingfeng means protection from wind. showing its purpose at the very beginning.
As time passes, it has been made into different sizes with colourful paintings. On screens usually appears a dragon. It's a symbol of light, growth and life-giving water. It also stands for nobility and power. The peacock, a beautiful bird, can be seen on screens, too. It's a symbol of everlasting life. Beautiful flowers, which mean wealth and good luck, are also chosen as a popular design of the pingfeng. All the designs carry people's beautiful wishes.
Behind the pingfeng lies an interesting story. In the past the unmarried daughter of a rich family was not supposed to see or be seen by men except her father, brothers or very close male cousins. When an admirer paid a visit, however, she might take a secret look at him from a screen behind which she would be completely hidden. Her father would discuss poems with the young man and ask him to create one. If the daughter and her father were satisfied with the young man's poem and his looks, she might agree to take him as a husband.
Today the pingfeng is back in fashion for its beauty and its practical(实际的) use as furniture. Acting as a moving wall or divider, it can be the perfect match(相配) for modern sofas and walls, which adds style to them.
The pingfeng is more than beautiful furniture.
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