Name: Painted Altar Table From Gansu - 19th Century
Brand: Indigo Antiques
SKU: C2572
Price: 2547.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th Century Painted Elm Altar Table From Gansu With Floral Drawer Fronts And Worn Black Lacquer

Corner Detail From 19th Century Painted Elm Altar Table From Gansu With Floral Drawer Fronts And Worn Black Lacquer

Angled VIew Of 19th Century Painted Elm Altar Table From Gansu With Floral Drawer Fronts And Worn Black Lacquer

Drawer Detail From 19th Century Painted Elm Altar Table From Gansu With Floral Drawer Fronts And Worn Black Lacquer

Top Down View Of 19th Century Painted Elm Altar Table From Gansu With Floral Drawer Fronts And Worn Black Lacquer

Drawer And Surface Detail From 19th Century Painted Elm Altar Table From Gansu With Floral Drawer Fronts And Worn Black Lacquer

Surface Top Detail From 19th Century Painted Elm Altar Table From Gansu With Floral Drawer Fronts And Worn Black Lacquer

SKU: C2572 19th Century, from Gansu, China

$2,547.00

Dimensions:: W223 x D43 x H89 cm
Quality:: Every piece restored & checked in UK

Only 1 available – a unique piece
Backordered, shipping soon

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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Restored in Our UK Workshop

Our expert restorers treat every piece with the respect it deserves.

Using traditional techniques and the highest quality mineral pigments, each piece leaves our workshop only after receiving the highest level of craftsmanship, precision and care.