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
Painted Chinese Red Lacquer Wedding Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in the mid-19th century, this tall cabinet has a clean-lined form, designed with straight
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
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 Tibetan 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
Shop More furniture from PAGODA RED on 1stDibs
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Decorative Baskets
Materials
Reed, Wood
Chinese Blue and White Botanical Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner with an allover pattern of botanical motifs. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Jars
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Melon Stone Drum Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Drum-form stools such as this were traditionally used in gardens and outdoor pavilions where upper class scholars read, wrote, gathered for discussion and, in general, developed thei...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Minimalist Side Tables
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Turned Wooden Mortar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite pinewood vessel is an early 20th century mortar once used daily in a provincial kitchen to grind herbs, spices, and condiments. The rustic container was hand-turned to an...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Antiquities
Materials
Pine
"Composition in Red (Vapors)" by Michael Thompson
By Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Decorative Baskets
Materials
Wood, Reed
Chinese Lobed Pantry Vessel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Charged with the humble task of storing dry goods, this small earthenware jar was hand-shaped in the early 20th century with balanced proportions and a beautifully irregular unglazed...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Minimalist Planters and Jardinieres
Materials
Ceramic
