A circa 1875 Chinese Qing period rustic elm wood altar table or work table, most likely from Shanxi province.
Solid elm wood construction displays hard-earned and authentic antique character from top to bottom. Features an especially handsome and desirable rough-hewn and rugged appearance that’s impossible to artificially emulate.
Hand-crafted nature is revealed by mortis and tenon joinery throughout, visible both on the legs and stretchers, as well as on the top where the edge on one side and three corners have been worn away by time and use.
Clear finish applied at some point in the past has done a nice job of preventing further degradation of these areas and the piece overall, with it still showing age and perhaps moisture exposure on the top slats.
A single iron nail embedded near the top of one leg to successfully arrest a very old split is the only evidence of metal in its fabrication.
Provenance provided upon request.
Dimensions:
Height: 25.75 in
Width: 34 in
Depth: 25.75 in
Condition: Good Repaired: A single iron nail was embedded in one leg to successfully arrest a split at some point long in the past. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Top: One edge, three corners with losses; scorch marks; discolorations/stains; finish wear/dryness; .25 in. gaps between boards from shrinkage. Legs: moisture signs at bottoms; discoloration spots; nicks. Stretchers: two with old worm holes, chips.