How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?

To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

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.

How to know if my Chinese porcelain is antique?

The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum

Chinese Alter Antique

Chinese Carved Round Table

Asian Altar Table

19th Century Chinese Cabinet

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Antique Chinese Alter Cabinet

H 33 in W 49.5 in D 17.5 in

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

47.5? 19th Century Qing Chinese alter Console Qing period piece featuring two drawers and

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Console

H 37.5 in W 47.5 in D 19.5 in

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

19th century Chinese alter console Qing period piece featuring two drawers with brass pulls

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Teak

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

H 31.75 in W 41.5 in D 20.25 in

19th Century Qing Antique Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

41? 19th century antique Chinese Alter console Qing period piece featuring three drawers with

Category

1890s Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Antique Chinese Alter Console

H 33.75 in W 41 in D 18 in

Chinese Alter Table

Located in Bradenton, FL

Late 19th / early 20th century three drawer Elm wood Mongolian Altar or butterfly table. This table is late Qing Dynasty and has a great old crazed painted finish and a nice patina t...

Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Alter Table

H 33 in W 41 in D 21 in

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

and can only give an opinion as to what we believe to be true. This Chinese alter table does look to

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

H 33 in W 49.25 in D 24.25 in

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Norwood, NJ

Impressive Chinese 19th century alter table. Console table with fine carving. Fretwork along the

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 36 in W 103 in D 15.75 in

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Cabinet

Located in Pasadena, TX

44? antique Chinese cabinet from the Shandong Provence 1851 Beautifully carved apron and sides

Category

1850s Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Cabinet

H 34 in W 44 in D 21 in

Antique Chinese Alter Fruits Pomegranate Pyramid Famille Rose Fencai Late Qing

Located in Richmond, CA

We are pleased to present this extraordinary antique Chinese altar fruit stack, a masterful work of

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Alter Fruits Pomegranate Pyramid Famille Rose Fencai Late Qing

H 3.55 in Dm 5.52 in

Antique Chinese Alter Table in Original Red Lacquer, C 1820 - 1840

Located in Kastrup, DK

with identical details on the sides. Originally used in Chinese houses in the welcome room with

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chinese Alter Table in Original Red Lacquer, C 1820 - 1840

H 33.08 in W 83.08 in D 22.05 in

19th Century Chinese Carved Elmwood Alter Table

Located in Dallas, TX

A 19th century Chinese alter table in highly carved elmwood. This table would be great as a

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Carved Elmwood Alter Table

H 36 in W 87 in D 20.5 in

Chinese Altar Table

Located in Woodbury, CT

Chinese Alter

Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Altar Table

H 33 in W 67.75 in D 21 in

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century Chinese hardwood alter table with inset marble to the top and

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Marble

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

W 46.46 in L 23.23 in

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Console Alter Table Carved 3/4" Crystal Top

Located in Portland, OR

& Antiques. This is a 19th century antique Chinese alter table or console from the Qing dynasty. All five

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Crystal

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Console Alter Table Carved 3/4" Crystal Top

H 34.25 in W 41 in D 13 in

Chinese Carved Alter Table

Located in Cheshire, GB

Chinese carved alter table, the large rectangular inset panel top and curved ends above

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Carved Alter Table

H 30.5 in W 41 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table.

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality 19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table, having inset panels to the top and

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table.

H 33.47 in W 51.58 in D 16.54 in

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century Chinese hardwood alter table, having a three panelled burr wood top

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

H 34.65 in W 44.49 in D 17.33 in

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Chinese carved seated altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their ancestors

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

H 9.5 in W 4.75 in D 2.5 in

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Chinese carved polychrome seated altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

H 11.5 in W 6 in D 4 in

19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China

Located in Kastrup, DK

Small alter / communion table in peach wood from the Zhejiang Province of China. Original condition

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Ming Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China

H 33.86 in W 45.67 in D 14.57 in

Rosewood Antique Chinese Export Alter Table with Hand Carving

Located in Lomita, CA

irresistible. The silhouette A vintage Chinese export carved rosewood altar or console table first half 20th

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Rosewood

Rosewood Antique Chinese Export Alter Table with Hand Carving

H 33 in W 43 in D 17 in

Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard

Located in Kastrup, DK

Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet or sideboard from Shanxi province, China. Elm and dark

Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Ming Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard

H 31.89 in W 59.06 in D 20.08 in

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Table/ 3 drawer

Located in Buffalo, NY

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Hall Table with 3 drawers... Retains

Category

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Rosewood

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Table/ 3 drawer

H 32.5 in W 36 in D 17 in

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16'th Century

Located in Kastrup, DK

Rare Buddhist alter shrine, made in pine wood. Rich on carved figural sceneries. Original

Category

16th Century Chinese Ming Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Pine

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16'th Century

H 39.77 in W 33.08 in D 14.57 in

Antique Chinese Hardwood Altar Table with Cloisonne inlay on top and legs

Located in Pomona, CA

This Museum Quality of Antique Chinese Hand carved Hardwood Alter Table was made in about 1900s

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Chinese Hardwood Altar Table with Cloisonne inlay on top and legs

H 35 in W 56 in D 16.5 in

Small 19th century elm table top chest of drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Small 19th century eastern elm table top chest circa 1890. Superb quality Chinese pyramid shaped

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Small 19th century elm table top chest of drawers

H 17.5 in W 19.75 in D 10.5 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Measures: 33" tall x 78.5" length x 23" depth

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 33 in W 78.5 in D 23.5 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Brown stain with lacquer finish

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 36.5 in W 82.5 in D 18 in

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

This pair of Chinese Alter tables retain traces of their original red decoration. They have a good

Category

Late 19th Century Central Asian Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

H 34 in W 40 in D 20 in

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

Located in Providence, RI

Wing Top Chinese Alter or console table in solid wenge wood. Table has two drawers with brass

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wenge

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

H 31.25 in W 47.5 in D 16.5 in

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Located in Edenbridge, Kent

A fine quality Chinese hardwood altar table. The whole has an excellent faded color.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

H 34.3 in W 35.8 in D 17.9 in

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

Dating from the late 19th century, this alter table is deeper than one normally sees and is

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

H 35.5 in W 75 in D 27 in

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

Located in Uckfield, Sussex

A 19th century Chinese hardwood carved alter table having a panel top, carved scrolling ends. The

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

H 40 in W 48 in D 18 in

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

A good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu alter table; the well figured rectangular top of traditional

Category

1880s Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

H 35.75 in W 47.75 in D 15 in

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

Good 19th century pair of Chinese Hongmu alter tables, the figured rectangular tops of cleated form

Category

1880s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

H 34 in W 55 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

Located in Carmel, CA

19th Century Chinese, painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty with ornate, scrolled carving

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

H 34 in W 50 in D 17 in

Pair of 18th Century Chinese Brass Alter Candlesticks on Timber Bases

Located in Brisbane, Queensland

Pair of 18th century Chinese brass alter candlesticks. The base of each candle stick depicts a

Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Brass

Pair of 18th Century Chinese Brass Alter Candlesticks on Timber Bases

H 9.06 in W 7.88 in D 6.5 in

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

Located in Fulton, CA

Impressive handmade 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty elm alter table. Hand-carved and shaped apron

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

H 49.5 in W 87.38 in D 26.38 in

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century low standing alter table. With two sliding doors and two center

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

H 18.5 in W 62 in D 18.5 in

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in New York, NY

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Category

18th Century and Earlier Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 37 in W 110 in D 18 in

19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Alter Table

Located in New York, NY

19th century black lacquer Chinese alter table.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Lacquer, Rosewood

19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Alter Table

H 36 in W 26 in D 67 in

Chinese alter table

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good Chinese hardwood alter table of good design and colour

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese alter table

H 39 in W 55 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in San Marino, CA

19th Century Alter Table with Detailed Carvings. Very fine exotic wood.

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 39.5 in W 82 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Martlesham, GB

19th century Chinese side / alter table, the rectangular top above a lovely shaped open frieze

Category

1880s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

H 34.25 in W 46 in D 15.75 in

Rare Chinese Alter Sideboard from Shanxi, circa 1840

Located in Kastrup, DK

lacquer finish. From Buddhist temple in Shanxi Province, China, c 1840.

Category

Early 19th Century Asian Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Rare Chinese Alter Sideboard from Shanxi, circa 1840

H 41.74 in W 127.17 in D 18.9 in

Chinese 19th century alter table

Located in Hudson, NY

A late 19th century chinese alter table with drawers in a light wood finish with dark wood accents

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Chinese 19th century alter table

H 34.6 in W 47 in D 21.25 in

Chinese Console Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

Wonderfully aged Chinese Alter Style Console or Sofa Table. Great patina, black paint with red

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Console Table

H 35 in W 79 in D 14.5 in

19th Century Chinese Cypress Wood Altar Table with Two Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Carved Chinese alter table circa 1880. Different from the norm with the inset and applied

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Cypress

19th Century Chinese Cypress Wood Altar Table with Two Drawers

H 33.75 in W 57 in D 22.3 in

A Famille Rose Porcelain Garniture Set.

Located in Hudson, NY

pieces of porcelain thought to have originated from Chinese alter sets. Hexagonal form: 3 High

Category

18th Century and Earlier Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Porcelain

A Famille Rose Porcelain Garniture Set.

H 11.5 in

Chinese Bamboo Alter Table

Located in San Marino, CA

Late 19th Century Chinese bamboo alter table.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Bamboo Alter Table

H 36 in W 87 in D 15 in

Chinese Rosewood Alter Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful Chinese Rosewood Alter Table with hand carved details.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Rosewood Alter Table

H 33 in W 64 in D 15.5 in

Lovely Pair of Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1900 Side Tables Oriental Charm

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

are circa 1900 and the form of Chinese alters, they are nicely curved to the sides with the original

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Lovely Pair of Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1900 Side Tables Oriental Charm

H 28.35 in W 23.43 in D 13.98 in

Chinese Red Lacquered Alter Table

Located in Westwood, NJ

Chinese red lacquered chinoiserie decorated alter table.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Chinese Red Lacquered Alter Table

H 32 in W 49 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality late 19th century Chinese hardwood alter table, having three inset panelled top

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

H 40.16 in W 70.87 in D 17.33 in

19th Century, Chinese Carved Elm Alter Table

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Fine quality carved elm alter table, circa 1860. Good color and patina. Rectangular top

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century, Chinese Carved Elm Alter Table

H 33 in W 79.3 in D 18.3 in

19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Alter Table

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Chinese 19th century alter table, circa 1870. Comprising of three parts, two pedestals and top

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Alter Table

H 35 in W 60.5 in D 28.5 in

Chinese Carved Hardwood Alter Table

Located in Kingston, NY

19th century Chinese carved hardwood altar table. Measures: 33" H x 46" W x 16.5" D.

Category

19th Century Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved Hardwood Alter Table

H 33 in W 46 in D 16.5 in

Antique Chinese Burnt Bamboo Alter Table with Chinese Chippendale Styling

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a wonderful large scale Chinese burnt bamboo alter table with chippendale styling. It has

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Chinese Burnt Bamboo Alter Table with Chinese Chippendale Styling

H 33.5 in W 86.5 in D 14.75 in

19th Century Chinese Lacquered Inset Marble Alter Table

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Good quality hard wood Chinese table, circa 1880. Grey and red veined original marble top. Some

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Lacquered Inset Marble Alter Table

H 33.6 in W 41.25 in D 26.6 in

Late 18th Century Chinese Ming Style Alter Table

Located in Kastrup, DK

An elegant Chinese Ming style altar table made in walnut. Freestanding with same carved details on

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Walnut

Late 18th Century Chinese Ming Style Alter Table

H 36.23 in W 101.97 in D 17.33 in

Tables Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Tables

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Chinese Alter Antique For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Chinese alter antique for your home. A Chinese alter antique — often made from wood, hardwood and elm — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Chinese alter antique — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each Chinese alter antique bearing Modern hallmarks is very popular.

How Much is a Chinese Alter Antique?

A Chinese alter antique can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,250, while the lowest priced sells for $1,195 and the highest can go for as much as $5,800.

Questions About Chinese Alter Antique

How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?
1 Answer
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
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.
How to know if my Chinese porcelain is antique?
1 Answer
Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum