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Portable Altar

18th Century Italian Portable Travel Altar, c. 1730 Walnut Baroque Cartapesta
18th Century Italian Portable Travel Altar, c. 1730 Walnut Baroque Cartapesta

18th Century Italian Portable Travel Altar, c. 1730 Walnut Baroque Cartapesta

Located in Epfach, DE

Italian portable travel altar, c. 1730. Walnut case with cartapesta, scagliola and carved wood

Category

Antique 1730s Italian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Scagliola, Walnut

Rare Pair of Flemish 18th Century "Verre Églomisé" Reverse Glass Paintings
Rare Pair of Flemish 18th Century "Verre Églomisé" Reverse Glass Paintings

Rare Pair of Flemish 18th Century "Verre Églomisé" Reverse Glass Paintings

$8,450Sale Price / set|55% Off

H 9 in W 11.25 in D 1 in

Rare Pair of Flemish 18th Century "Verre Églomisé" Reverse Glass Paintings

Located in Los Angeles, CA

panels of glass with designs formed by engraved gilding were applied to reliquaries and portable altars

Category

Antique 18th Century Finnish Baroque Paintings

Materials

Glass, Giltwood, Paint

Stoup in silver and ebony; Augsburg, last quarter of the 16th century
Stoup in silver and ebony; Augsburg, last quarter of the 16th century

Stoup in silver and ebony; Augsburg, last quarter of the 16th century

Located in MADRID, ES

Walbaum⁴, and in a portable altar by Jeremías Flicker (Augsburg, 1647)⁵, whose relief is a copy of that

Category

Antique 16th Century German Renaissance Religious Items

Materials

Silver

Japanese Wood Gilt Lacquer Buddha Buddhist Temple Traveling Zushi Shrine Altar
Japanese Wood Gilt Lacquer Buddha Buddhist Temple Traveling Zushi Shrine Altar

Japanese Wood Gilt Lacquer Buddha Buddhist Temple Traveling Zushi Shrine Altar

Located in Studio City, CA

A wonderful Japanese Buddhist portable traveling zushi shrine altar with Amida Buddha (Amitabha

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

Recent Sales

Portable Altar in  Black Lacquered Wood, Japan Edo Period 1603-1868
Portable Altar in  Black Lacquered Wood, Japan Edo Period 1603-1868

Portable Altar in Black Lacquered Wood, Japan Edo Period 1603-1868

Located in Paris, FR

Japanese portable altar in black lacquered wood representing Benzaiten a Japanese Buddhist goddess

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Bronze, Copper

Rare Collection of 19th Century Tibetan Reliqueries
Rare Collection of 19th Century Tibetan Reliqueries

Rare Collection of 19th Century Tibetan Reliqueries

Unavailable

H 15 in W 7.5 in D 6 in

Rare Collection of 19th Century Tibetan Reliqueries

Located in Washington, DC

" is a portable altar, shrine, or prayer box used while traveling. The Tibetan prayer box was used

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Japanese Shrine in Lacquer, Edo Period '1603-1868'
Japanese Shrine in Lacquer, Edo Period '1603-1868'

Japanese Shrine in Lacquer, Edo Period '1603-1868'

Unavailable

H 18.12 in W 11.82 in D 10.63 in

Japanese Shrine in Lacquer, Edo Period '1603-1868'

Located in Paris, FR

Japanese Shrine in lacquer, Edo Period (1603-1868)" Portable altar in black lacquered wood

Category

Antique 1830s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese altar in lacquer, Edo Period (1603-1868)
Japanese altar in lacquer, Edo Period (1603-1868)

Japanese altar in lacquer, Edo Period (1603-1868)

Sold

H 18.11 in W 11.81 in D 10.63 in

Japanese altar in lacquer, Edo Period (1603-1868)

Located in PARIS, FR

Portable altar in black lacquered wood, opening with two doors revealing the Goddess Benzaïten

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metallic Thread

Japanese Altar  in Lacquer , Edo Period (1603-1868)
Japanese Altar  in Lacquer , Edo Period (1603-1868)

Japanese Altar in Lacquer , Edo Period (1603-1868)

Sold

H 18.11 in W 11.81 in D 10.63 in

Japanese Altar in Lacquer , Edo Period (1603-1868)

Located in PARIS, FR

Portable altar in black lacquered wood, with two doors opening onto a representation of the

Category

Antique 1860s Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Copper

Mid-Century Gilded Buddhist Altar Lanterns
Mid-Century Gilded Buddhist Altar Lanterns

Mid-Century Gilded Buddhist Altar Lanterns

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H 6.89 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in

Mid-Century Gilded Buddhist Altar Lanterns

Located in Fukuoka, JP

aura and artistic heritage of Buddhist traditions. Originally used within the context of a portable

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns

Materials

Metal

Absolutely Awesome French Forties Eglomise Cocktail Table
Absolutely Awesome French Forties Eglomise Cocktail Table

Absolutely Awesome French Forties Eglomise Cocktail Table

Located in BENSENVILLE, IL

portable altars. The method used is described by Cennino Cennini. It has also been used throughout Europe

Category

Vintage 1940s French Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Early 20th Century Original Retablo Box
Early 20th Century Original Retablo Box

Early 20th Century Original Retablo Box

Sold

H 12 in Dm 3.5 in L 12 in

Early 20th Century Original Retablo Box

Located in London, GB

conquistadors in the 16th century. Before bringing them to Peru, the boxes were used as portable altars by

Category

Vintage 1920s Puerto Rican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Artdeco Italian Crystal Cabinet, Bookcases, Endtable
Artdeco Italian Crystal Cabinet, Bookcases, Endtable

Artdeco Italian Crystal Cabinet, Bookcases, Endtable

Sold

H 36.23 in W 24.02 in D 11.82 in

Artdeco Italian Crystal Cabinet, Bookcases, Endtable

By Venetian School

Located in Valladolid, ES

were applied to reliquaries and portable altars. But it has been used throughout Europe since the

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Crystal, Wrought Iron

14th CENTURY LATE MEDIEVAL GILDED WOODEN TUSCAN PLAQUE
14th CENTURY LATE MEDIEVAL GILDED WOODEN TUSCAN PLAQUE

14th CENTURY LATE MEDIEVAL GILDED WOODEN TUSCAN PLAQUE

Located in Firenze, FI

artist. It is believed that this object was part of a triptych or a small portable travel altar. The icon

Category

Antique 16th Century Italian Medieval Paintings

Materials

Wood

Antique French leather portable travel crucifix / altar - Paris France 19th
Antique French leather portable travel crucifix / altar - Paris France 19th

Antique French leather portable travel crucifix / altar - Paris France 19th

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Very charming antique French portable travel crucifix/altar. France - Paris 19th Very beautiful

Category

Antique 19th Century French Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Tibetan Portable Polychromed Wooden Altar Stand or Table, Early 20th Century
Tibetan Portable Polychromed Wooden Altar Stand or Table, Early 20th Century

Tibetan Portable Polychromed Wooden Altar Stand or Table, Early 20th Century

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A Tibetan portable polychromed wooden altar stand or table, early 20th century. Pierced and carved

Category

Early 20th Century Tibetan Tibetan Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Burkina Faso Carved and Painted Wood Antelope Headpiece
Burkina Faso Carved and Painted Wood Antelope Headpiece

Burkina Faso Carved and Painted Wood Antelope Headpiece

Located in New York, NY

series of honorific performances. They could be used as portable altars or placed on an existing altar in

Category

20th Century Burkinabe Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Folding Korean Altar Table
Folding Korean Altar Table

Folding Korean Altar Table

Sold

H 34.5 in W 47.75 in D 33 in

Folding Korean Altar Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

19th Century Korean portable/folding altar table. Made from gingko wood and finished in a deep

Category

Antique 19th Century Korean Tables

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Vintage Khmer Cast Bronze Head of Shiva, Angkor Wat Style, 1970's, Thailand
Vintage Khmer Cast Bronze Head of Shiva, Angkor Wat Style, 1970's, Thailand

Vintage Khmer Cast Bronze Head of Shiva, Angkor Wat Style, 1970's, Thailand

Located in Austin, TX

A well cast vintage Khmer, Angkor Wat style, bronze head of Shiva, circa 1970's, Thailand. Shiva, the Hindu god of creation, change and destruction, is identified by the third eye...

Category

Vintage 1970s Thai Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

$4,554 / set

H 28.5 in W 26 in D 26 in

Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.  

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables

Materials

Wood

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward
Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

$229,945Sale Price|33% Off

H 51.19 in W 55.12 in D 201.58 in

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

By Henry Ward

Located in Amsterdam, NL

England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Materials

Other

19th century antique wooden Burmese Buddha temple - Original Buddhas
19th century antique wooden Burmese Buddha temple - Original Buddhas

19th century antique wooden Burmese Buddha temple - Original Buddhas

Located in DEVENTER, NL

This 19th-century wooden Burmese Buddha temple is a stunning testament to the rich spiritual and artistic heritage of Burma. Crafted from wood and standing at a height of 52.5 cm, wi...

Category

Antique 19th Century Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 21st century Old metal Buddhist shrine from Nepal
Early 21st century Old metal Buddhist shrine from Nepal

Early 21st century Old metal Buddhist shrine from Nepal

Located in DEVENTER, NL

This old metal Buddhist shrine, originating from Nepal, is a fine example of spiritual craftsmanship, reflecting the rich cultural and religious traditions of the region. Made entire...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

HUGE OIL PAINTING By MAJOR John E .Bale 19th Century BRITISH SCHOOL
HUGE OIL PAINTING By MAJOR John E .Bale 19th Century BRITISH SCHOOL

HUGE OIL PAINTING By MAJOR John E .Bale 19th Century BRITISH SCHOOL

By John Edward Bale

Located in Ferndown, GB

OIL PAINTING SIGNED 19th Century BRITISH SCHOOL Fine Original Antique 19th Century British OIL PAINTING GOLD GILT FRAME By Major John Edward Bale Excellent Condition Panel, ...

Category

Late 19th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Veracruz Mexico Pre-Columbian ceramic Warrior figure sculpture
Veracruz Mexico Pre-Columbian ceramic Warrior figure sculpture

Veracruz Mexico Pre-Columbian ceramic Warrior figure sculpture

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Figure of a Chanting Warrior Ceramic with bitumen highlights 300-600 CE (Classic Period) Mexico, Veracruz, possibly Nopiloa Veracruz Culture Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Vera Cruz culture...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Cast Bronze Buddha Head
Cast Bronze Buddha Head

Cast Bronze Buddha Head

$650

H 13.75 in W 4.13 in D 3.5 in

Cast Bronze Buddha Head

Located in Branford, CT

Cast bronze Buddha head. On a carved wooden pedestal. Circa 1890. H 13-3/4" W 4-1/8" D 3-1/2" including base.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Thai Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Italian 19th Century Neapolitan Gouaches
Pair of Italian 19th Century Neapolitan Gouaches

Pair of Italian 19th Century Neapolitan Gouaches

$4,440Sale Price / set|40% Off

H 28 in W 33.5 in D 2 in

Pair of Italian 19th Century Neapolitan Gouaches

Located in Bradenton, FL

An absolutely exquisite pair of Italian 19th century Neapolitan gouaches in 20th century giltwood frames. One depicts the volcano eruption of 1822 in Naples, the other is an affluent...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Paintings

Materials

Paint

Fine 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Gilt Metal Cathedral Church Reliquary Pair
Fine 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Gilt Metal Cathedral Church Reliquary Pair

Fine 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Gilt Metal Cathedral Church Reliquary Pair

Located in Forney, TX

A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Gothic Revival Religious Items

Materials

Brass, Bronze

18th Century, Old Master European Landscape Painting Italian School
18th Century, Old Master European Landscape Painting Italian School

18th Century, Old Master European Landscape Painting Italian School

$6,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 34.25 in W 44.5 in D 3 in

18th Century, Old Master European Landscape Painting Italian School

Located in Atlanta, GA

Italian School, 18th century. A masterful example of 18th-century Italian School artistry, this Old Master landscape painting captures the sublime beauty of an idealized European co...

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Pair of Antique French Oil on Canvas Paintings
Pair of Antique French Oil on Canvas Paintings

Pair of Antique French Oil on Canvas Paintings

$4,400 / set

H 23.75 in W 30 in D 2 in

Pair of Antique French Oil on Canvas Paintings

Located in New Orleans, LA

Lovely pastoral oil paintings. They will want you to visit France.

Category

Early 20th Century French Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Pair French 18th-19th Century Chinoiserie Circle of Jean B. Pillement
Pair French 18th-19th Century Chinoiserie Circle of Jean B. Pillement

Pair French 18th-19th Century Chinoiserie Circle of Jean B. Pillement

$58,950Sale Price / set|52% Off

H 70 in W 51.5 in D 1.5 in

Pair French 18th-19th Century Chinoiserie Circle of Jean B. Pillement

By Jean-Baptiste Pillement

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A fine pair of French 18th-19th century whimsical rococo style chinoiserie oil on canvas, circle of Jean-Baptiste Pillement. (French, 1728-1808). One oil painting depicting an outdoo...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Chinoiserie Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Japanese Marquetry and Lacquer Jewelry Chest, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Japanese Marquetry and Lacquer Jewelry Chest, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan

Japanese Marquetry and Lacquer Jewelry Chest, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A very attractive Japanese wood table top jewelry or collector's chest with marquetry and lacquer decoration, Meiji period, circa 1900, Japan. Previously in the collection of Asbjorn...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Softwood, Lacquer

19th Century Italian Baroque Reliquaries, Gilt Brass, Ornate Design
19th Century Italian Baroque Reliquaries, Gilt Brass, Ornate Design

19th Century Italian Baroque Reliquaries, Gilt Brass, Ornate Design

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century pair of ornate gilded relicquaries made of brass with a gilt finish. The feature highly decorative Baroque or Rococo-style detailing, including intricate scrollwork, f...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Brass

Antique Butsudan Shrine
Antique Butsudan Shrine

Antique Butsudan Shrine

$2,800

H 17 in W 14 in D 6.5 in

Antique Butsudan Shrine

Located in North Palm Beach, FL

The Antique Butsudan Shrine is a remarkable piece of religious and cultural significance. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, the cabinet showcases intricate wood carvings th...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Asian Antiquities

Materials

Wood

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Portable Altar For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the portable altar you’re looking for. Each portable altar for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and stone. Find 9 options for an antique or vintage portable altar now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer portable altar, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each portable altar bearing Baroque, Art Deco or modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made portable altar over the years, but those crafted by Scattered Disc Objects and Venetian School are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Portable Altar?

Prices for a portable altar can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $795 and can go as high as $18,950, while the average can fetch as much as $3,450.