Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19th Century

This Chinese Ming style altar table dates from the 19^th Century and was once covered in a burgundy lacquer. It is constructed from a single plank of thick northern elm wood (yumu). Much of the lacquer has worn away over the years leaving a pleasing patchy rustic look. We have sensitively restored this piece conserving its original finish.

Altar tables were used for ancestor worship in China. Usually, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above the table & joss sticks lit & placed on the table for the well being of the household. They were always long & narrow in form - a configuration seldom found in antique European furniture.

From China

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