How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?

To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.

How to know if my Chinese porcelain is antique?

The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum

How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?

To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

Chinese Alter Antique

Alter Cabinet

Asian Console Alter Tables

Ming Style Dining Table

Chinese Ebony

Ching Dynasty

Red Lacquer Chinese Console Table

Chinese Ching

19th Century Chinese Furniture Tables

Antique Chinese Alter Cabinet

$3,120Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Chinese Alter Cabinet

Located in Pasadena, TX

49.5? Antique Chinese alter cabinet 2 Door red cabinet hand painted in seasonal flowers.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Console

$2,800Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

47.5? 19th Century Qing Chinese alter Console Qing period piece featuring two drawers and concealed shelving underneath.

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

$2,320Sale Price|33% Off

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

19th century Chinese alter console Qing period piece featuring two drawers with brass pulls.

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Teak

19th Century Qing Antique Chinese Alter Console

$2,800Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Qing Antique Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

19th century antique Chinese Alter console Qing period piece featuring three drawers with brass pulls.

Category

1890s Asian Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Alter Table

$750

Chinese Alter Table

Located in East Aurora, NY

Late 19th / early 20th century three drawer Elm wood Mongolian Altar or butterfly table. This table is late Qing Dynasty and has a great old crazed painted finish and a nice patina t...

Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

C19th Chinese alter Table

$3,824

C19th Chinese alter Table

Located in London, GB

Beutiful Chinese altar Table Lovely Floating panels in top Dated C1870

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood, Elm

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

$3,770Sale Price|35% Off

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

Located in Highwood, IL

This Chinese alter table does look to have some age and could easily be turn-of-the century and that is our best hypothesis.

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

$7,500

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Norwood, NJ

Impressive Chinese 19th century alter table. Console table with fine carving.

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Cabinet

$2,800Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Qing Chinese Alter Cabinet

Located in Pasadena, TX

44? antique Chinese cabinet from the Shandong Provence 1851 Beautifully carved apron and sides with 3 drawers. Brass pulls.

Category

1850s Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Antique Chinese Alter Fruits Pomegranate Pyramid Famille Rose Fencai Late Qing

$2,800

Antique Chinese Alter Fruits Pomegranate Pyramid Famille Rose Fencai Late Qing

Located in Richmond, CA

We are pleased to present this extraordinary antique Chinese altar fruit stack, a masterful work of art that epitomizes the zenith of Chinese ceramic craftsmanship. This unique piece...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Altar Table

$4,950

Chinese Altar Table

Located in Woodbury, CT

Chinese Alter

Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

$7,922

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century Chinese hardwood alter table with inset marble to the top and mother of pearl inlay to the frieze and legs, circa 1890.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Marble

Rare Pair of C19th Chinese Altar tables

$11,474Sale Price / set|30% Off

Rare Pair of C19th Chinese Altar tables

Located in London, GB

Pair of Early C19th Chinese Alter Tables Panelled Tops with Shaped Frieze raised on lovely shaped Cabriolet Legs Lovely Colour wood Dated C1820s

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Elm Alter Table

$4,590

19th Century Chinese Elm Alter Table

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This 19th-century Chinese Elm Alter Table features dark elm wood with ornate carved legs and a distressed finish, giving it a warm, well-worn character.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

$3,824

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century Chinese hardwood alter table, having a three panelled burr wood top.

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

$1,400

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Chinese carved seated altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their ancestors. Ancestor worship plays a major role in Chinese religion. This beautifully carved fig...

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

$1,500

18th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Alter God

Located in Atlanta, GA

This Chinese carved polychrome seated altar god was once used on the family altar to honor their ancestors. Ancestor worship plays a major role in Chinese religion. This beautifully...

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Rosewood Antique Chinese Export Alter Table with Hand Carving

$1,872Sale Price|20% Off

Rosewood Antique Chinese Export Alter Table with Hand Carving

Located in Lomita, CA

The warmth and patina of the antique rosewood and the intricate hand carving makes this altar table irresistible. The silhouette A vintage Chinese export carved rosewood altar or co...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Rosewood

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Table/ 3 drawer

$2,940

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Table/ 3 drawer

Located in Buffalo, NY

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Hall Table with 3 drawers...

Category

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16'th Century

$4,223

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16'th Century

Located in Kastrup, DK

From Shanxi Province in China.

Category

16th Century Chinese Ming Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Pine

Antique Chinese Hardwood Altar Table with Cloisonne inlay on top and legs

$2,599

Antique Chinese Hardwood Altar Table with Cloisonne inlay on top and legs

Located in Pomona, CA

This Museum Quality of Antique Chinese Hand carved Hardwood Alter Table was made in about 1900s from hardwood and have very detailed carving works of Chinese traditional artworks all...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Small 19th century elm decorative table top chest

$1,085

Small 19th century elm decorative table top chest

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Small 19th century eastern elm table top chest circa 1890. Superb quality Chinese pyramid shaped alter table chest made from elm.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Recent Sales

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Unavailable

H 33 in W 78.5 in D 23.5 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Measures: 33" tall x 78.5" length x 23" depth.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Unavailable

H 36.5 in W 82.5 in D 18 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Brown stain with lacquer finish.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

Unavailable

H 34 in W 40 in D 20 in

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

This pair of Chinese Alter tables retain traces of their original red decoration.

Category

Late 19th Century Central Asian Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

Unavailable

H 31.25 in W 47.5 in D 16.5 in

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

Located in Providence, RI

Wing Top Chinese Alter or console table in solid wenge wood.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wenge

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Unavailable

H 34.3 in W 35.8 in D 17.9 in

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Located in Edenbridge, Kent

A fine quality Chinese hardwood altar table. The whole has an excellent faded color.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

Unavailable

H 35.5 in W 75 in D 27 in

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

Dating from the late 19th century, this alter table is deeper than one normally sees and is finished on the reverse. It has carved and gilded decoration to the drawer fronts and end ...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

Unavailable

H 40 in W 48 in D 18 in

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

Located in Uckfield, Sussex

A 19th century Chinese hardwood carved alter table having a panel top, carved scrolling ends.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

Unavailable

H 35.75 in W 47.75 in D 15 in

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

A good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu alter table; the well figured rectangular top of traditional cleated form above a carved and pierced archaic frieze, raised on moulded legs headed ...

Category

1880s Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

Unavailable

H 34 in W 55 in D 17 in

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

Good 19th century pair of Chinese Hongmu alter tables, the figured rectangular tops of cleated form above carved frieze centred by a carved and pierced panel of a dragonfly, flanked ...

Category

1880s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

Unavailable

H 34 in W 50 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

Located in Carmel, CA

19th Century Chinese, painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty with ornate, scrolled carving.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Pair of 18th Century Chinese Brass Alter Candlesticks on Timber Bases

Unavailable

H 9.06 in W 7.88 in D 6.5 in

Pair of 18th Century Chinese Brass Alter Candlesticks on Timber Bases

Located in Brisbane, Queensland

Pair of 18th century Chinese brass alter candlesticks. The base of each candle stick depicts a distinct water form motif, with flowers floating on the surface.

Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Brass

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

Unavailable

H 49.5 in W 87.38 in D 26.38 in

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

Located in Fulton, CA

Impressive handmade 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty elm alter table. Hand-carved and shaped apron with stylized dragon and scroll work.

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

Unavailable

H 18.5 in W 62 in D 18.5 in

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century low standing alter table. With two sliding doors and two center doors that open out. Original hardware. Good for storage and display purposes. *item i...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Sold

H 37 in W 110 in D 18 in

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in New York, NY

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Category

18th Century and Earlier Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Alter Table

Sold

H 36 in W 26 in D 67 in

19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Alter Table

Located in New York, NY

19th century black lacquer Chinese alter table.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Lacquer, Rosewood

Chinese alter table

Sold

H 39 in W 55 in D 17 in

Chinese alter table

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good Chinese hardwood alter table of good design and colour

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Sold

H 34.25 in W 46 in D 15.75 in

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Martlesham, GB

19th century Chinese side / alter table, the rectangular top above a lovely shaped open frieze, wonderful carved decoration, carved side supports, standing on four square and carved ...

Category

1880s Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Rare Chinese Alter Sideboard from Shanxi, circa 1840

Sold

H 41.74 in W 127.17 in D 18.9 in

Rare Chinese Alter Sideboard from Shanxi, circa 1840

Located in Kastrup, DK

Rare large altar sideboard (size - 323 cm long). Elm wood and original red lacquer, moldings and carvings in original yellow lacquer. 9 drawers. Beautiful age-related patina, hi...

Category

Early 19th Century Asian Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Chinese 19th century alter table

Sold

H 34.6 in W 47 in D 21.25 in

Chinese 19th century alter table

Located in Hudson, NY

A late 19th century chinese alter table with drawers in a light wood finish with dark wood accents.

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Wood

Chinese Console Table

Sold

H 35 in W 79 in D 14.5 in

Chinese Console Table

Located in Sheffield, MA

Wonderfully aged Chinese Alter Style Console or Sofa Table. Great patina, black paint with red accent.

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Cypress Wood Altar Table with Two Drawers

Sold

H 33.75 in W 57 in D 22.3 in

19th Century Chinese Cypress Wood Altar Table with Two Drawers

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Carved Chinese alter table circa 1880. Different from the norm with the inset and applied carving.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Cypress

Vintage Russet Patina Chinese Console Table

Sold

H 34.25 in W 43.75 in D 13.5 in

Vintage Russet Patina Chinese Console Table

Located in Alhambra, CA

Lovely Chinese alter-style console table. Russet red finish to the wood has a natural patina and a lacquer top-coat.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Reclaimed Wood

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Console Alter Table Carved 3/4" Crystal Top

Sold

H 34.25 in W 41 in D 13 in

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Console Alter Table Carved 3/4" Crystal Top

Located in Portland, OR

This is a 19th century antique Chinese alter table or console from the Qing dynasty.

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Crystal

A Famille Rose Porcelain Garniture Set.

Sold

H 11.5 in

A Famille Rose Porcelain Garniture Set.

Located in Hudson, NY

A garniture set is a group of five pieces of porcelain thought to have originated from Chinese alter sets. Hexagonal form: 3 High shoulder, 2 pyriform.

Category

18th Century and Earlier Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Rosewood Alter Table

Sold

H 33 in W 64 in D 15.5 in

Chinese Rosewood Alter Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful Chinese Rosewood Alter Table with hand carved details.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Rosewood

Lovely Pair of Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1900 Side Tables Oriental Charm

Sold

H 28.35 in W 23.43 in D 13.98 in

Lovely Pair of Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1900 Side Tables Oriental Charm

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

They are circa 1900 and the form of Chinese alters, they are nicely curved to the sides with the original fittings Condition wise you have patina marks to the top as you would exp...

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Red Lacquered Alter Table

Sold

H 32 in W 49 in D 17 in

Chinese Red Lacquered Alter Table

Located in Westwood, NJ

Chinese red lacquered chinoiserie decorated alter table.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Chinese Alter Antique

19th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Sold

H 40.16 in W 70.87 in D 17.33 in

19th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality late 19th century Chinese hardwood alter table, having three inset panelled top, carved scrolling ends, the frieze with carved mythical dragons.

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Alter Antique

Materials

Hardwood

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Chinese Alter Antique For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Chinese alter antique for your home. A Chinese alter antique — often made from wood, hardwood and elm — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Chinese alter antique — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each Chinese alter antique bearing Modern hallmarks is very popular.

How Much is a Chinese Alter Antique?

A Chinese alter antique can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,250, while the lowest priced sells for $1,195 and the highest can go for as much as $5,800.

Questions About Chinese Alter Antique

How do you identify antique Chinese furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
How to know if my Chinese porcelain is antique?
1 Answer
Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020
The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum
How can I tell if my Chinese furniture is antique?
1 Answer
PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.