Where Does Our Antique Furniture Come From?

Most of the furniture that Shanghai April sells was made during the late Qing dynasty, or during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was made by furniture makers from all over China, mostly for buyers who were part of the growing merchant class. Pieces of furniture built during the late Qing dynasty are noted for their creative, expressive and varied designs in comparison to "classic" Ming antiques that are very rigid and austere in appearance.

During the Chinese Cultural Revolution of the 1960's, much of this furniture was confiscated by the government and placed into warehouses. Some of the furniture was then redistributed to rural or farm households in the 1980's. In the 1990's, western antique dealers started to purchase these antiques from both the households and from the Chinese government.

How to Determine the Authenticity of Chinese Antiques

It is unlikely to find outright forgeries of furniture made in the late Qing dynasty. You are more likely to come across pieces that have been substantially reconstructed with new wood. Careful inspection of any unfinished surfaces on the item, particularly inside seams that have pulled apart or on the bottoms of legs, can sometimes reveal the use of new wood. New wood will have a bright yellow or white color. Also check the edges of the item. Edges should have the look of being hand cut. New pieces may have neat and crisp edges that may indicate the use of a modern power saw.

It is not uncommon for antiques, both Western and Asian, to have small pieces of new wood used to make minor repairs. Most reputable and knowledgeable antique dealers will point out, when asked, the use of any new wood in an antique. Finding a trustworthy dealer who understands the history and related culture of the items that they sell is probably the best way to ensure that you are buying antiques of high quality.

Bibliography

McCormick, Andrea & Lynde. Chinese Country Antiques. Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 2002.