Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Porcelain Whilst elm is naturally a

Whilst elm is naturally a darker wood

and cuirass emblazoned with a coat of arms

while the squared posts and clean horizontal lines give the piece a restrained architectural presence

offering generous storage for linens

Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Porcelain Whilst elm is naturally aThis Chinese Ming style altar table dates from the 19th Century and was once covered in a burgundy lacquer. It is constructed from a single plank of thick northern elm wood (yumu). Much of the lacquer has worn away over the years leaving a pleasing patchy rustic look. We have sensitively restored this piece conserving its original finish. Altar tables were used for ancestor worship in China. Usually, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above the