Poplar & Pawlownia Chinese Altar Table From Shandong - 19th Century Nandi Bulls It is from Shanxi province

It is from Shanxi province and has carved panels and fretwork

this would have been secured with a padlock

reflecting the refined architectural detailing found throughout the desert city’s historic havelis and temples

Another similar example can be found in Japanese Cabinetry: The Art & Craft of Tansu by Jackson & Owen

it's central brass plate and squared handles are indicative of this being an early piece

Poplar & Pawlownia Chinese Altar Table From Shandong - 19th Century Nandi Bulls It is from Shanxi provinceThis early 20th century Chinese altar table is from Shandong province in Northern China. It is made in the classic Ming style with cloud head spandrels. Incredibly elegant, this altar table perfectly suits a corridor or living room. Altar tables were used for ancestor worship in China. Usually, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above the table & joss sticks lit & placed on the table for the well being of the household. They were always long &