Altar Table, Black Lacquer w95 Our black lacquer chest of

Our black lacquer chest of drawers is a modern design - the Chinese did not use chests of drawers as we did in the west until quite recently - but the classic frame and panel joinery and circular brass handles are typical of traditional Chinese furniture

The back of the unit includes holes for feeding through wires

In some cases these would house dozens of drawers

One of the most recognisable of Chinese designs

all contrasting against the reddish brown lacquer

Altar Table, Black Lacquer w95 Our black lacquer chest ofOur black lacquer version is smaller than most original altar tables, making it more practical in a modern western home, but is in a classic design with wonderful carvings at the top of each leg. Chinese altar tables were actually used not just for holding offerings to ancestors, but also as more general surfaces to display flowers, vases or other prized possessions. The carvings show scrolling 'chi' dragons a common motif on furniture of the Qing