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
Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Book Cabinets, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this pair of tall book cabinets was once used in a scholars' studio
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases
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
Chinese Painted Elephant Trunk Table, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This fantastic painted trunk from northern China is lavishly decorated from end to end in the
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Blanket Chests
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 Provincial Four Seasons Coffer, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
lacquer and hand-painted decoration. The cabinet was crafted in the late 19th century with mortise-and
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Buffets
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Shop More furniture from PAGODA RED on 1stDibs
Chinese Tapered Terracotta Storage Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Charged with the humble task of storing dry goods, this capacious earthenware jar is distinguished by its tapered form and beautifully irregular unglazed surface. Smoke from the kiln gives the vessel its depth of color, transitioning gradually from charred brown...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Terracotta
Green Glazed Maitland-Smith Fantail Vase
By Maitland Smith
Located in Chicago, IL
A contemporary iteration of the classic Chinese phoenix-tail vase form, this tall porcelain urn by interior design house Maitland-Smith features a square body with angular shoulders ...
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Fish Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
This grand, blue-and-white porcelain bowl is hand painted with flora and fauna of the sea, offering blessings of wealth, abundance, and the contented harmony of a fish in water. Chin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Porcelain
Nigerian Nupe Storage Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
The Nupe people of Nigeria were known as some of the finest ceramicists in Africa. Everyday objects, like this storage vessel, received detailed attenti...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Primitive Urns
Materials
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Chinese Eternity Vessel
Located in Chicago, IL
Rendered in high relief, this ceramic jar’s dimensional bands, hobnail motifs and flower-filled medallions add visual interest and texture to its rich brown glaze. Decorated with chr...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Ceramic
Petite Chinese Tea Tray, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Simple lines, a modest form, and a layer of hand-brushed lacquer give this petite Qing-dynasty tray a provincial charm that recalls the warmth of home. The dark brown lacquer still h...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Tableware
Materials
Pine, Lacquer
