Painted Altar Table From Gansu - 19th Century
This painted elm altar table originates from Gansu province and dates to the 19th century. It has a beautiful one piece elm wood top with stunning figural grain. Its elongated, narrow form is characteristic of Chinese altar tables, a style rarely found in antique European furniture and ideal for English hallways or spacious interiors. The table retains its original worn black lacquer, enriched with age, while the drawer fronts are beautifully painted in red with vibrant floral motifs, adding colour and charm to the piece.
Altar tables were multifunctional in Chinese households, serving not only as family altars but also as scholar's tables for calligraphy, painting, and writing. In their ceremonial role, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above, with joss sticks lit and placed upon the surface to honour the household's ancestors. Today, this table carries with it both historic symbolism and a refined visual presence, making it a versatile addition to a modern home.
- Origin: Gansu Province, China
- Date: 19th Century
- Materials: Elm wood with traces of black lacquer and painted decoration
- Features: Long narrow form; four drawers with hand-painted floral motifs; worn lacquer surface with rich patina
- Condition: Good antique condition with surface wear consistent with age
- Dimensions: W223 x D43 x H89 cm
Original: $3,477.39
-65%$3,477.39
$1,217.09More Images
Painted Altar Table From Gansu - 19th Century
This painted elm altar table originates from Gansu province and dates to the 19th century. It has a beautiful one piece elm wood top with stunning figural grain. Its elongated, narrow form is characteristic of Chinese altar tables, a style rarely found in antique European furniture and ideal for English hallways or spacious interiors. The table retains its original worn black lacquer, enriched with age, while the drawer fronts are beautifully painted in red with vibrant floral motifs, adding colour and charm to the piece.
Altar tables were multifunctional in Chinese households, serving not only as family altars but also as scholar's tables for calligraphy, painting, and writing. In their ceremonial role, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above, with joss sticks lit and placed upon the surface to honour the household's ancestors. Today, this table carries with it both historic symbolism and a refined visual presence, making it a versatile addition to a modern home.
- Origin: Gansu Province, China
- Date: 19th Century
- Materials: Elm wood with traces of black lacquer and painted decoration
- Features: Long narrow form; four drawers with hand-painted floral motifs; worn lacquer surface with rich patina
- Condition: Good antique condition with surface wear consistent with age
- Dimensions: W223 x D43 x H89 cm
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Description
This painted elm altar table originates from Gansu province and dates to the 19th century. It has a beautiful one piece elm wood top with stunning figural grain. Its elongated, narrow form is characteristic of Chinese altar tables, a style rarely found in antique European furniture and ideal for English hallways or spacious interiors. The table retains its original worn black lacquer, enriched with age, while the drawer fronts are beautifully painted in red with vibrant floral motifs, adding colour and charm to the piece.
Altar tables were multifunctional in Chinese households, serving not only as family altars but also as scholar's tables for calligraphy, painting, and writing. In their ceremonial role, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above, with joss sticks lit and placed upon the surface to honour the household's ancestors. Today, this table carries with it both historic symbolism and a refined visual presence, making it a versatile addition to a modern home.
- Origin: Gansu Province, China
- Date: 19th Century
- Materials: Elm wood with traces of black lacquer and painted decoration
- Features: Long narrow form; four drawers with hand-painted floral motifs; worn lacquer surface with rich patina
- Condition: Good antique condition with surface wear consistent with age
- Dimensions: W223 x D43 x H89 cm
