Antique 19th C. Chinese Qing Dynasty Dragon Altar Table – Solid Elmwood Console

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Description

Antique 19th C. Chinese Qing Dynasty Dragon Altar Table – Solid Elmwood Console

Anchor your interior with an authentic artifact … Read more Antique 19th C. Chinese Qing Dynasty Dragon Altar Table – Solid Elmwood Console

Anchor your interior with an authentic artifact of Imperial history. This exceptional Qing Dynasty Altar Table (c. 1800–1850) is a masterclass in traditional Chinese joinery and symbolic artistry. Hand-crafted from solid Northern Elm (Jumu)—a wood revered for its dense, rhythmic grain—this 67-inch console commands attention with its architectural silhouette and storied surface.

The table is distinguished by its exquisite high-relief hand-carvings. The spandrels feature Auspicious Dragons weaving through scrolling foliage, traditional motifs representing power, longevity, and protection. The side panels are further elevated by intricate pierced openwork in a classic "Double Ruyi Cloud" design, offering a sophisticated counterpoint to the table's robust construction. This narrow-profile console is the ultimate "designer anchor" for a grand entryway, a transition hallway, or positioned behind a statement sofa in a Modern Primitive or Global Chic interior.

Artistry & Construction
The "Honest" Finish: The original cinnabar red and black lacquer has aged into a spectacular, heavily distressed patina. This weathered texture is highly coveted by connoisseurs as a hallmark of 19th-century provenance.

Masterful Joinery: True to the period, the table utilizes Sunmao (mortise-and-tenon) joinery with visible wooden peg reinforcements. It remains remarkably sturdy without a single modern nail or adhesive.

Symbolism: The Ruyi clouds on the side panels are "grantors of wishes," traditionally intended to bring peace and fulfillment to the household.

Dimensions
Width: 67 in
Height: 35 in
Depth: 12.5 in

Condition
Good Antique Condition – This table is a structural survivor, remaining remarkably sound after two centuries of use. The finish exhibits an authentic, heavy distressed patina with significant lacquer loss and "honest wear" on the top surface, along with natural craquelure and minor surface abrasions. These features are characteristic of genuine altar tables and verify its 19th-century origin. The hand-carved dragon spandrels are exceptionally well-preserved with no major losses.

A rare opportunity to own a legitimate piece of Chinese Imperial history. This Altar Table offers a level of "soul" and architectural heritage that modern reproductions cannot replicate. It stands as a functional sculpture, ready to bring a sense of timeless narrative to a contemporary or traditional estate. See less