{"product_id":"antique-chinese-elm-altar-table","title":"Elm Altar Table From Shanxi -19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shanxi Province, China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19th Century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elm wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional altar table\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, narrow form with simple stretcher supports\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bleached surface with remnants of original black lacquer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Originally used for ancestor worship; ideal as a console or display table\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good antique condition with age-related wear consistent with use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W175.5 x D45 x H74 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55120407298431,"sku":"C2324","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/C2324Detail.jpg?v=1775562417","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/antique-chinese-elm-altar-table","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}