Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?
1 Answer
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.
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
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Shop for Painted Chinese Cabinets on 1stDibs
Chinese Crackled Lacquer Noodle Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This painted Chinese cabinet dates to the mid-19th century and has a richly aged patina that only
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Elm
Chinese Painted Book Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
painted cabinet in a children's bedroom or playroom as an unexpected bookcase or toy chest.
Additional
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Materials
Elm
Chinese Bird-and-Flower Painted Side Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The darkly lacquered front of this 19th-century Chinese locking cabinet is the perfect canvas for a
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Materials
Elm
Chinese Painted Altar Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Made of Chinese northern elm, this altar cabinet once contained the essentials for ancestor rituals
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Chinese Painted Compound Cabinets, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
Seamlessly constructed and lacquered black, this pair of spectacular Ming-dynasty compound cabinets
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Cabinets with Birds in Flight, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of early 19th century red lacquer cabinets is an extraordinary find. When placed beside
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Elm
Shop More furniture from PAGODA RED on 1stDibs
Chinese Ming Kneeling Man Oil Lamp, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious ceramic form is a sculptural Chinese candle stand or oil lamp from the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Rustic and highly textured, the sculptural ceramic form is thick wi...
Category
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Two Drawer Kang Chest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm
Chinese Miao Bamboo Tea Container, c. 1920s
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite wooden bucket is an early 20th century Chinese tea canister attributed to the Miao people of southern China. The antique vessel is carved from bamboo with ridged sides an...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Decorative Baskets
Materials
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Low Tibetan Painted Chest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this small painted cabinet is a lovely example of Tibetan folk artistry. The low chest has an overhung top and inset paneled sides, each carved with c...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Pine
Chinese Ming Buddhist Oil Lamp, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural ceramic object is a Chinese oil lamp from the late Ming dynasty, originally used in altar displays for Buddhist ceremonies and ritual offerings. The vessel is a varia...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Lattice Window Panel with Rose Mirrors, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Pine, Mirror
Chinese Crackle Celadon Candle Stand, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant in its simplicity, this late 19th-century Chinese candle stand is decorated only by an allover pale glaze with fine crazing and pools of glassy, celadon-blue color. The ceram...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
