Chinese Square Altar Table

Square table with a latticed apron, worn black paint, and gently curved braces.

This square altar table is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 18th century. It is lacquered elm wood. Many Chinese antiques are now returning to China through auction houses and foreign dealers, as Chinese buyers actively purchase older pieces back, which the article describes as reclaiming their heritage. Square table with a patterned top and a pierced frieze with key-fret panels. Slim, straight legs with curved corner braces carry it. The dark finish is worn and flaking to pale wood in places. It is 37.25 inches long, 37.25 deep and 33.5 high.

Fancy fretwork, flaking paint, an honest face.