Elm Console with Rounded Legs

Shanxi, circa 1830

This elegant altar table dates from the early nineteenth century and originates from Shanxi province - an area renowned for producing some of China’s most distinctive and beautifully proportioned furniture. Made from thick elm wood with a single plank used for the top, the table has aged wonderfully over nearly two centuries, retaining the tactile warmth and rich character that only time can create.

The design is simple yet full of traditional charm, with recessed legs in a style referred to as 'An'. Its long, narrow top has softened edges from years of use, while the rounded legs - joined with classic double side stretchers - give the piece a graceful, upright stance. Underneath the top, shaped apron brackets provide subtle decoration, typical of Shanxi craftsmanship. The dark finish is largely still intact on the legs and apron, but the top surface has aged and weathered to show the deep, natural grain of the elm wood, worn lighter through decades of use to create a beautiful, authentic patina.

Originally used as a family altar table for votives and ritual objects, it would have held candlesticks, incense burners or ancestral offerings. Today, its refined proportions make it a wonderfully versatile piece for a modern home. Use it as a console table in a hallway, a stylish surface behind a sofa, or a striking display table for ceramics, artwork or plants.

Timeless in form and full of history, this altar table is a superb example of northern Chinese furniture—minimal yet characterful, and perfectly suited to contemporary interiors.