Red Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19thC Material - Mulberry Wood This Chinese flower stand dates

This Chinese flower stand dates from the early 20th century and has a concealed drawer

86 x 32 x 83 (wxdxh cms)

Each lower sunburst panel is centred with a carved human face

19 x 16 x 68 cm tall

Red Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19thC Material - Mulberry Wood This Chinese flower stand datesThis altar table has a beautiful old red elm top. The legs and scroll ends have been replaced with excellent quality new red elm. The piece remains faithful to the Ming style. Red elm, also known as zelkova or southern elm (jumu) is considered superior to it's northern elm (yumu) cousin as it has a more refined grain structure. Altar tables were used for ancestor worship in China. Usually a family ancestor portrait would be hung above the table & joss