{"product_id":"red-elm-altar-table-from-suzhou-18thc","title":"Red Elm Altar Table From Suzhou - 18th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis elegant \u003cstrong\u003e18th century Chinese altar table\u003c\/strong\u003e is crafted from beautifully grained \u003cstrong\u003ered elm (zelkova), known in China as “jumu” or southern elm\u003c\/strong\u003e, and originates from \u003cstrong\u003eSuzhou\u003c\/strong\u003e, a city renowned for its refined furniture making traditions. The long, slender form and restrained decorative carving are characteristic of \u003cstrong\u003eclassical Chinese scholar furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e, designed to complement interiors devoted to contemplation, ceremony, and ancestor reverence. The rich tone of the red elm and the graceful scroll-form ends of the tabletop give the piece a quiet sophistication that reflects the aesthetic ideals of the Qing dynasty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAltar tables such as this were traditionally placed against a wall beneath \u003cstrong\u003eancestor portraits or religious images\u003c\/strong\u003e, where offerings, incense, and ritual objects would be displayed. The finely carved spandrels and open-frame legs show the careful craftsmanship typical of Suzhou workshops. As is common with traditional Chinese joinery, the \u003cstrong\u003etabletop can be separated from the base\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing the piece to be dismantled for transport without the use of nails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, pieces like this make striking \u003cstrong\u003econsole tables or hallway tables\u003c\/strong\u003e, bringing historical character and architectural elegance to a contemporary interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suzhou, China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18th Century (Qing Dynasty)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Elm (Zelkova \/ Southern Elm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional altar table form with scroll-ended top and carved spandrels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Top can be separated from the frame using traditional Chinese joinery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very good antique condition with age-related wear and patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W208 x D44 x H86 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Indigo Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57117141270911,"sku":"C2484","price":6250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/2522\/files\/C2484Square.jpg?v=1773325987","url":"https:\/\/www.indigo-uk.com\/products\/red-elm-altar-table-from-suzhou-18thc","provider":"Indigo Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}