Of course! China had tons of connections with foreign countries during the Tang dynasty. Not only was there an overland Silk Road, there was even a Maritime Silk Road. Foreign trade flourished. You could get whatever you wanted. But most of all I admire those who leaders who didn't weaken the government by craving the trappings of power, and instead exerted themselves to make the country richer and more powerful. They allowed feudal Chinese society to reach its peak!

To put it simply, you can distinguish them by looking at three things: the quality of the materials, the design, and the craftsmanship. With regards to the design, Ming dynasty furniture is elegant and precise, having reached a peak as an art form. During that time, furniture was mainly designed by scholars; therefore the design became a reflection of their own unique philosophies and character.