Chinese Wood Altar Table

Reddish table with a shaped apron and legs that curl at the feet.

This altar table is from Gansu Province, China, and dates to the mid 18th century. It is lacquered & painted pine wood. During the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, a great deal of antique Chinese furniture was burned, confiscated or scattered, which the article says helped start the scarcity of such pieces. Rectangular table in worn reddish-brown wood with a thick top, a shallow wavy apron and tall legs ending in curved hoof feet. A low stretcher joins the legs, and red paint shows in places. It is 40.25 inches long, 20 deep and 33 high.

Tall legs, tired paint, plenty of poise.