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 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 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
Low Chinese Painted Book Cabinet, Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
this 19th century book chest. Expertly constructed in China's Shanxi province, the low cabinet
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Enchanted Garden Coffer, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
scrollwork traces the outer frame. Contrasted by the richly aged black lacquer finish, the painted decoration
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sideboards
Materials
Elm
Chinese Black Lacquer Four Flowers Coffer, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
hardware. The cabinet face is beautifully painted with vases filled with flowers of the four seasons
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sideboards
Materials
Elm
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
Shop More furniture from PAGODA RED on 1stDibs
Chinese Woven Top Summer Daybed, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With exquisite joinery and balanced proportions, this woven-top summer daybed from Zhejiang province is a fine example of Qing-dynasty furniture. Dated to the mid-19th century, the l...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Reed, Cypress
"Winter's Edge" Chinese Taihu Scholar's Rock
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and unusual stone formations have long been fixtures of the Chinese scholars' studio, displayed as sources of beauty and creative inspiration. Known as gongshi, scholars' ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Chinese Ink Slab Stone Tray, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Minimal and austere, this stone tray exemplifies the refined beauty sought after by traditional Chinese scholars, who filled their studios with objects that inspired creative thought...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Minimalist Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Plank Top Display Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This low display table exemplifies Qing-dynasty refinement with simplicity of form and minimal ornamentation. Crafted of walnut with mortise-and-tenon joinery, the 19th-century pedes...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Chinese Blessings Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spirits...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Chinese Bat & Gourd Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of the Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
Chinese Butterfly & Gourd Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of the Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectible Jewelry
Materials
Silver
