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 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
Shop More furniture from PAGODA RED on 1stDibs
Chinese Bent Handle Market Basket, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Rustic Decorative Baskets
Materials
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Chinese Orange Chrysanthemum Folk Tray, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
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Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
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Chinese White Marble Bi Disc
Located in Chicago, IL
With its speckled white color and perfectly round form, this marble bi disc has a certain celestial quality, like a full moon gleaming in the night sky. Found in the tombs of ancient...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Organic Modern Sculptures and Carv...
Materials
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Chinese Lobed Pantry Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Earthenware
Chinese Orange Chrysanthemum Folk Tray, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
This provincial Chinese tray charms with vibrant orange lacquer and hand-brushed paintings of autumn flowers. Dated to the mid-20th century, the small folk tray is crafted of pine to...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Platters and Serveware
Materials
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Chinese Crackled Crème White Vase, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
With its graceful silhouette and warm, crème coloring, this earthenware vase from the late 19th century embodies the elegance and refinement of Chinese monochrome ceramics. The vase ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Materials
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Chinese Slender Leg Tea Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Chinese pedestal table dates to the mid-19th century and would have been used for taking tea, burning incense, or displaying flowers and sculpture. The tall table has a ...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Elm
