Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Angled View Of Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Corner Detail From Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Top Down View Of Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Top Corner Detail From Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Surface Detail From Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Angled View Of Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Corner Detail From Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Top Down View Of Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Top Corner Detail From Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Surface Detail From Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Antique 19th Century Shanxi Elm Altar Table With Bleached Finish And Original Black Lacquer Remnants
Now sold

Elm Altar Table From Shanxi -19th Century

SKU C2324 · 19th Century, from Shanxi, China
Dimensions W175.5 × D45 × H74 cm
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Description

This 19th century Chinese altar table from Shanxi province is a beautifully understated example of traditional domestic furniture, once used in the practice of ancestor worship. Crafted from elm, the piece has a long, narrow form designed to sit against a wall beneath ancestral portraits, where offerings and incense would be placed as part of daily rituals.

Its simplicity is where its strength lies. The gently worn top bears the marks of time and use, while traces of the original black lacquer remain visible beneath a softly bleached surface, creating a layered, tactile finish. The contrast between the pale timber and darker remnants of lacquer gives the table a quiet depth and authenticity.

The slender legs and stretcher supports provide both stability and visual balance, lending the piece an elegant, linear silhouette. Today, its proportions make it ideal as a console table, hallway piece, or behind a sofa—bringing a sense of history and calm presence into a contemporary interior.

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Restored in our UK workshop

Every piece is checked, cleaned and made ready for its next chapter before it leaves us.

Our expert restorers inspect every item, making joints sound and carefully cleaning surfaces. 

We favour conservation over restoration and use traditional techniques and materials, sensitively preserving the original character and patina that give each antique its individuality.

Charlie in the Indigo Antiques workshop
CharlieRestorer · 20 years' experience
Keith in the Indigo Antiques workshop
KeithRestorer · Over 20 years' experience
Richard in the Indigo Antiques workshop
RichardCo-founder · Over 45 years' experience

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