Red Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19thC Material - Mulberry Wood the symbol for a ceremonial

the symbol for a ceremonial scepter symbolising power and good fortune in Buddhist & Chinese folklore

Pieces like this have been used every day

detailed information about its crafting are shown on the bottom of the cabinet

Each lower sunburst panel is centred with a carved human face

Red Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19thC Material - Mulberry Wood the symbol for a ceremonialThis 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