Chinese Red Elm Altar Table - 19th Century Ancestor Figures The top opens to reveal

The top opens to reveal a compartmentalised shelf with a removable section above a large interior space

adding depth and visual interest

especially with such an unusual

Carved from teak and known in Rajasthan as a Gangaur Figure

Chinese Red Elm Altar Table - 19th Century Ancestor Figures The top opens to revealThis elegant antique Qing dynasty Chinese altar table dates to the 19th century. It is constructed from red elm (jumu) in a style often described as a 'recessed leg painters table'. This style originated in the Song dynasty (960 1279AD). The legs were recessed and splayed to provide stability. These pieces were multifunctional but were predominantly used as family altar tables. They also doubled as tables for calligraphy, painting and writing by