Like the artistry and craftsmanship in wood furniture, paintings also reveal that bamboo furniture-making techiniques were also highly developed by the Song dynasty. Luohans seated in bamboo meditation chairs also show parallel associations of common bamboo with asceticism and humility. Moreover, bamboo also characterizes the virtues of strength and endurance; it yields to the strongest winds without breaking; its hollow body has the capacity for usefulness, and its ascending nodules reveal the spirit of fortitude. Thus, bamboo was also popular amongst the aspiring Confucian scholar.

Amongst its myriad of uses, bamboo was commonly employed during the Ming and Qing dynasties to make chairs, stools, beds, bookcases, tables, matting and curtains. Various types of bamboo were also used, including golden bamboo, purple bamboo and speckled bamboo; the latter, with its delicate tear-drop patterns. was a favorite of the scholar.

Bamboo furniture constructions varied from simple to elaborate. Many were primitive constructions with frames of stout bamboo that were left open on the ends, and with strips of bamboo for panels and surfaces. Such works frequently appeared as common household furniture in the poorer rural regions. Although not of particular high quality, those with beautiful old surfaces exhibit an appealing charm.