Grace Wu Bruce is a prominent dealer in classic Chinese furniture. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Wang provided Bruce with a lot of expertise on Ming furniture. She says it was Wang who inspired her to build the Mu Qu Ju collection.

Bruce says the publication of Wang's work gave a boost to the collection of vintage Chinese furniture, but Wang regretted that there was not a comprehensive, systematic collection of the subject.

"The collection of Ming furniture is not a focus for museums when compared with bronze ware, classic Chinese paintings and calligraphy and porcelain," she says.

Bruce says Mu Qu Ju is an extension of Wang's academic legacy, and she hopes that more people will enjoy and study Ming furniture.

She says that the exhibition is a rare opportunity for Hong Kong people to see so many pieces of Ming furniture.

"When people see it from close then they will feel the simple elegance in design and craftsmanship that Ming furniture is known for.

"It will also allow them to discover the sophistication of details."