How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

How to know if my Chinese porcelain is antique?

The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum

Chinese Alter Antique

Alter Cabinet

Antique Guitar

Nantucket House Antiques

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Alter Table

H 33.5 in W 47 in D 16 in

Antique Chinese Alter Cabinet

Located in Pasadena, TX

49.5? Antique Chinese alter cabinet 2 Door red cabinet hand painted in seasonal flowers

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Antique Chinese Alter Cabinet

H 33 in W 49.5 in D 17.5 in

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

47.5? 19th Century Qing Chinese alter Console Qing period piece featuring two drawers and

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Console

H 37.5 in W 47.5 in D 19.5 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in South Salem, NY

A late 19th-century Chinese Alter table. This Alter table features a deeply carved drawer front

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 34 in W 40 in D 18 in

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

19th century Chinese alter console Qing period piece featuring two drawers with brass pulls

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Teak

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

H 31.75 in W 41.5 in D 20.25 in

19th Century Qing Antique Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

41? 19th century antique Chinese Alter console Qing period piece featuring three drawers with

Category

1890s Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Antique Chinese Alter Console

H 33.75 in W 41 in D 18 in

Chinese Alter Table

Located in Bradenton, FL

Late 19th / early 20th century three drawer Elm wood Mongolian Altar or butterfly table. This table is late Qing Dynasty and has a great old crazed painted finish and a nice patina t...

Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Alter Table

H 33 in W 41 in D 21 in

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

and can only give an opinion as to what we believe to be true. This Chinese alter table does look to

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

H 33 in W 49.25 in D 24.25 in

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Norwood, NJ

Impressive Chinese 19th century alter table. Console table with fine carving. Fretwork along the

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 36 in W 103 in D 15.75 in

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Cabinet

Located in Pasadena, TX

44? antique Chinese cabinet from the Shandong Provence 1851 Beautifully carved apron and sides

Category

1850s Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Cabinet

H 34 in W 44 in D 21 in

Antique Chinese Alter Fruits Pomegranate Pyramid Famille Rose Fencai Late Qing

Located in Richmond, CA

We are pleased to present this extraordinary antique Chinese altar fruit stack, a masterful work of

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Alter Fruits Pomegranate Pyramid Famille Rose Fencai Late Qing

H 3.55 in Dm 5.52 in

Antique Chinese Alter Table in Original Red Lacquer, C 1820 - 1840

Located in Kastrup, DK

with identical details on the sides. Originally used in Chinese houses in the welcome room with

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chinese Alter Table in Original Red Lacquer, C 1820 - 1840

H 33.08 in W 83.08 in D 22.05 in

19th Century Chinese Carved Elmwood Alter Table

Located in Dallas, TX

A 19th century Chinese alter table in highly carved elmwood. This table would be great as a

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Carved Elmwood Alter Table

H 36 in W 87 in D 20.5 in

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century Chinese hardwood alter table with inset marble to the top and

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Marble

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

W 46.46 in L 23.23 in

Antique Chinese Altar Table with (8) Drawers circa 1900 Restored Condition

Located in Chicago, IL

Chinese alter table appears to have some age to it, based on the dove-tail drawers and general wear and

Category

1890s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Altar Table with (8) Drawers circa 1900 Restored Condition

H 33.63 in W 58.5 in D 22.5 in

Vintage Art Deco Chinese Carpet. 7 ft 9 in x 10 ft

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Chinese Art Deco rug, Origin: China, circa early 20th century – Size: 7 ft 9 in x 10 ft

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wool

Vintage Art Deco Chinese Carpet. 7 ft 9 in x 10 ft

W 120 in L 93 in

Chinese Carved Alter Table

Located in Cheshire, GB

Chinese carved alter table, the large rectangular inset panel top and curved ends above

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Carved Alter Table

H 30.5 in W 41 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table.

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality 19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table, having inset panels to the top and

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table.

H 33.47 in W 51.58 in D 16.54 in

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

Located in Uckfield, Sussex

A 19th century Chinese hardwood carved alter table having a panel top, carved scrolling ends. The

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

H 40 in W 48 in D 18 in

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century Chinese hardwood alter table, having a three panelled burr wood top

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

H 34.65 in W 44.49 in D 17.33 in

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Chinese carved seated altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their ancestors

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

H 9.5 in W 4.75 in D 2.5 in

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Chinese carved polychrome seated altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

H 11.5 in W 6 in D 4 in

19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China

Located in Kastrup, DK

Small alter / communion table in peach wood from the Zhejiang Province of China. Original condition

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Ming Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China

H 33.86 in W 45.67 in D 14.57 in

Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard

Located in Kastrup, DK

Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet or sideboard from Shanxi province, China. Elm and dark

Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Ming Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard

H 31.89 in W 59.06 in D 20.08 in

Chinese 19th Century Elm Lacquer Alter Console Table

Located in Doylestown, PA

Exquisite antique Chinese lacquered elm Alter table, 19th century. Richly hued in tones of wine

Category

Mid-19th Century Rustic Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Chinese 19th Century Elm Lacquer Alter Console Table

H 32.5 in W 41 in D 17 in

Pair of Green Glazed Chinese Sancai Alter Fu Dogs Circa 1900

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

This exquisite pair of green Chinese Sancai-glazed Fu Dogs from circa 1900 is a stunning

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Green Glazed Chinese Sancai Alter Fu Dogs Circa 1900

H 9.75 in W 3 in D 5.5 in

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16'th Century

Located in Kastrup, DK

Rare Buddhist alter shrine, made in pine wood. Rich on carved figural sceneries. Original

Category

16th Century Chinese Ming Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Pine

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16'th Century

H 39.77 in W 33.08 in D 14.57 in

Chinese Red Lacquered and Gilt Altar Console Table

Located in New York, NY

Asian Chinese (Possibly Vietnamese 19th Century) red lacquered and gilt carved console (alter

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Gold Leaf

Chinese Red Lacquered and Gilt Altar Console Table

H 49.75 in W 65.25 in D 28 in

19th Century Chinese Chippendale Pagoda Cabinet

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning and rare 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale pagoda cabinets. This highly stylized

Category

19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

19th Century Chinese Chippendale Pagoda Cabinet

H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in

Han Dynasty, Laying Doe Wood Sculpture, China 100AD

Located in PARIS, FR

Europe, permanently altering the course of Chinese history. Han Dynasty art and inventions like paper

Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Han Dynasty, Laying Doe Wood Sculpture, China 100AD

H 13.78 in W 15.75 in D 3.94 in

Antique Chinese Four Drawer Bookcase in Elmwood, Rattan and Brass, Certified

Located in Bridgeport, CT

" Certified Antique Handcrafted Chinese Elmwood Bookcase with four drawers, circa 1850. Discover the

Category

1850s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Four Drawer Bookcase in Elmwood, Rattan and Brass, Certified

H 79 in W 53.6 in D 13 in

Pair of Certified Chinese 19c Armchairs in Black Laquered Elmwood and Rattan

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Armchairs in Black Laquered Chinese Elmwood and Rattan. Signature curves and details and beautifully curved

Category

1850s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Pair of Certified Chinese 19c Armchairs in Black Laquered Elmwood and Rattan

H 45.3 in W 24.7 in D 24.3 in

Pair 19th Century Chinese Lead Vases Inlayed with Bronze Lamps

Located in Hudson, NY

This pair of vases are from China. Made as part of a 19th century alter garniture set the pair are

Category

1880s Chinese Archaistic Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Lead, Bronze

Pair 19th Century Chinese Lead Vases Inlayed with Bronze Lamps

H 27.5 in Dm 6 in

Fluorite on Hedenbergite Quartz, Huanggang Mine, Inner Mongolia, China

Located in New York, NY

. To unearth a mineral in this exceptional color and form alters our entire concept of what is possible

Category

15th Century and Earlier Mongolian Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Other

Fluorite on Hedenbergite Quartz, Huanggang Mine, Inner Mongolia, China

H 6.7 in W 6.7 in D 6.7 in

Hu Shape Green-Glazed Vase, Han Dynasty(206 BC - 220 AD)

Located in seoul, KR

A 'Hu' is a type of large jar or pot that was commonly used in China for storage purposes

Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Earthenware

Hu Shape Green-Glazed Vase, Han Dynasty(206 BC - 220 AD)

No Reserve

H 5.6 in Dm 3.31 in

A Rare Sancai-Glazed Pottery Jar, Tang Dynasty

Located in seoul, KR

material reacting with water to become hydrated, and the oxidation of metal ions within, altering the

Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Earthenware

A Rare Sancai-Glazed Pottery Jar, Tang Dynasty

H 9.45 in Dm 5.12 in

Small 19th Century eastern elm table top chest

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Small 19th century eastern elm table top chest circa 1890. Superb quality Chinese pyramid shaped

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Small 19th Century eastern elm table top chest

H 17.5 in W 19.75 in D 10.5 in

Antique Chineese Bracelet Jade Carnelian Giilt Silver /51gr

Located in SE

Old beautiful Chinese bracelet of the finest quality. There are 3 large Gilt Silver links made of

Category

1920s Chinese Arts and Crafts Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Carnelian, Jade, Silver, Gold-filled

Antique Chineese Bracelet Jade Carnelian Giilt Silver /51gr

Free Shipping

Antique 4ft 6" diam Burr Walnut Marquetry Dining / Center Table 1860s

Located in London, GB

to him and Mary Frances Westoby. In 1805 he described himself as dealer in china and glass. By 1821

Category

1860s Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Walnut

Antique 4ft 6" diam Burr Walnut Marquetry Dining / Center Table 1860s

H 29.14 in W 57.09 in D 57.09 in

Japanese Screen Painting, circa 1700 'Horses' by Kano Tanshin

Located in Kyoto, JP

groups. China originally introduced horse paintings to Japan; the works typically focused on capturing

Category

1690s Japanese Edo Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Gold Leaf

Japanese Screen Painting, circa 1700 'Horses' by Kano Tanshin

H 21.5 in W 71.5 in D 0.75 in

Astonishing 19th Century Rare Afshar Tribal rug featured in famous book

Located in WYNNUM, QLD

Afshar rugs . The central medallions have been altered to create an almost moving, slightly hallucinatory

Category

1880s Persian Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wool

Astonishing 19th Century Rare Afshar Tribal rug featured in famous book

W 36 in L 60 in

Le Matin - Etching by James Tissot - 1886

By James Tissot

Located in Roma, IT

Wonderful mezzotint and etching on China paper applied. The inscription reads: "Le matin/ J. J

Category

1880s Modern Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

James Tissot
Le Matin - Etching by James Tissot - 1886, 1886

H 28.47 in W 21.58 in D 0.04 in

Yamamoto Shunkyo (1871-1933) Japanese Framed Painting Pair, Carp and Bamboo

Located in Kyoto, JP

alter the behaviour of the ink. Here Shunkyo’s succint brush-strokes and washes have formed astonishing

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Gold Leaf

Yamamoto Shunkyo (1871-1933) Japanese Framed Painting Pair, Carp and Bamboo

H 37 in W 18 in D 0.75 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Measures: 33" tall x 78.5" length x 23" depth

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 33 in W 78.5 in D 23.5 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Brown stain with lacquer finish

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 36.5 in W 82.5 in D 18 in

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

This pair of Chinese Alter tables retain traces of their original red decoration. They have a good

Category

Late 19th Century Central Asian Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

H 34 in W 40 in D 20 in

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

Located in Providence, RI

Wing Top Chinese Alter or console table in solid wenge wood. Table has two drawers with brass

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wenge

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

H 31.25 in W 47.5 in D 16.5 in

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Located in Edenbridge, Kent

A fine quality Chinese hardwood altar table. The whole has an excellent faded color.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

H 34.3 in W 35.8 in D 17.9 in

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

Dating from the late 19th century, this alter table is deeper than one normally sees and is

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

H 35.5 in W 75 in D 27 in

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

A good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu alter table; the well figured rectangular top of traditional

Category

1880s Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

H 35.75 in W 47.75 in D 15 in

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

Good 19th century pair of Chinese Hongmu alter tables, the figured rectangular tops of cleated form

Category

1880s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

H 34 in W 55 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

Located in Carmel, CA

19th Century Chinese, painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty with ornate, scrolled carving

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

H 34 in W 50 in D 17 in

Pair of 18th Century Chinese Brass Alter Candlesticks on Timber Bases

Located in Brisbane, Queensland

Pair of 18th century Chinese brass alter candlesticks. The base of each candle stick depicts a

Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Brass

Pair of 18th Century Chinese Brass Alter Candlesticks on Timber Bases

H 9.06 in W 7.88 in D 6.5 in

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

Located in Fulton, CA

Impressive handmade 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty elm alter table. Hand-carved and shaped apron

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

H 49.5 in W 87.38 in D 26.38 in

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century low standing alter table. With two sliding doors and two center

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

H 18.5 in W 62 in D 18.5 in

Qing Dynasty Chinese Wedding Bed

Located in Santa Fe, NM

Detailed pierced carving is present throughout this portion of a Chinese wedding bed. Open

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Qing Dynasty Chinese Wedding Bed

H 100 in W 87 in D 4 in

19th Century Chinese Altar Table in Elmwood

Located in Santa Fe, NM

From the early 1800s, Hebei Province. This alter table still has remnants of the rich red lacquer

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Altar Table in Elmwood

H 32.5 in W 49 in D 30.5 in

Art Deco Chinese Embroidered Ensemble in Cobalt Blue & White

Located in Oradell, NJ

This is a gorgeous Art Deco Chinese silk ensemble in cobalt blue and white consisting of a jacket

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese Alter Antique

Art Deco Chinese Embroidered Ensemble in Cobalt Blue & White

W NaN in

Mid-18th Century Chinese Export Mirror Painting

Located in London, GB

it has not been altered in size. The rarest forms of these pictures are done in landscapes such as

Category

Late 18th Century English Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Mirror

Mid-18th Century Chinese Export Mirror Painting

H 19.69 in W 31.5 in D 1.97 in

Low Console Cabinet

Located in New York, NY

center or TV stands. Can be altered for wiring.

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Brass

Low Console Cabinet

H 18.5 in W 50 in D 18.5 in

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Chinese Alter Antique For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Chinese alter antique for your home. A Chinese alter antique — often made from wood, hardwood and elm — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Chinese alter antique — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each Chinese alter antique bearing Modern hallmarks is very popular.

How Much is a Chinese Alter Antique?

A Chinese alter antique can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,250, while the lowest priced sells for $1,195 and the highest can go for as much as $5,800.

Questions About Chinese Alter Antique

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?
1 Answer
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.
How to know if my Chinese porcelain is antique?
1 Answer
Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum