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 Red & Black Cartouche Stacking Cabinet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This grand two-piece stacking cabinet dates to the late 19th century and exemplifies the balanced
Category
Antique Late 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
Provincial Chinese Grain Container, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-crafted wooden bucket was once used by farmers in Shandong, China to transport their harvest of grains and other crops over long distances. Counterbalanced by a second cont...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wood
Set of Four Antique Chinese Bronze Opium Tools
Located in Chicago, IL
These petite tools date to the mid- to late 19th century and were originally among the many accessories that comprised an opium smoking kit.
The set includes three opium scrapers, ...
Category
Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Tobacco Accessories
Materials
Bronze, Metal
Puddingstone Basin Santal Candle
Located in Chicago, IL
This artisanal candle makes a statement with grand scale and time-honored materials. Ideal as a centerpiece to a coffee table or tablescape, the large candle consists of a hand-carve...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Organic Modern More Candle Holders
Materials
Stone
Chinese Burlwood Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
The organic form of this burlwood side table would have appealed to the refined tastes of Ming and Qing dynasty literati, who favored natural formations with sinuous contours and wil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Organic Modern End Tables
Materials
Burl
Petite Chinese Glazed Apothecary Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite glazed jar from China's Shanxi province exemplifies the timeless appeal of handcrafted pottery. Once used in an apothecary to hold ground herbs and oils for traditional m...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Abstract Stone Garden Ornament, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious carving dates to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911), chiseled from solid limestone to an abstract, zoomorphic form. Possibly originating as an architectural finial, the s...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Abstract Stone Garden Ornament, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious carving dates to the late Qing dynasty (1644 to 1911), chiseled from solid limestone to an abstract, zoomorphic form. Possibly originating as an architectural finial, th...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
