How to Identify Antique Chinese and Asian Furniture?

1. Symmetry of the Furniture

Antique Chinese and Asian furniture is hand-made most of the time, so there will be imperfections in the symmetry. If someone is selling you antique Asian tables, then you should inspect its symmetry. Often machine-crafted furniture is symmetrical, because its dimensions are set to a predefined scale and they are cut by lasers or other wood cutting machines. This is a sign that your furniture is fake and nit Chinese antique. The furniture is probably not handmade and ultimately, it might not be Chinese antique furniture.

2. The Wood of Chinese Furniture

If an antique furniture is to be inspected, then the wood should be checked thoroughly, especially its finish. If a furniture is rubbed with denatured alcohol and the polish dissolves, then it is not an antique furniture. Antique Chinese furniture is treated with French polish, which does not budge under extreme conditions. It can be tested with alcohol or ammonia to ensure that the furniture you invest your money in, is real and you are not getting tricked into buying fake antiques. 

3. The Type of Wood

In the older days, Asian furniture was made of Oak only, since it was the widely available and the best choice of wood at that time. If you want to see whether your antique Asian tables are antique or not, then inspect whether the wood is Oak or not.

If it is Oakwood, then your furniture is real and authentic Chinese antique. If the wood is any other wood but Oak, then there might be a possibility that you are getting scammed or tricked into buying this piece of furniture. 

4. Look for Wear Marks

In the old days, when furniture was made by hand by craftsmen, they were usually set on the dirt or floor. This fact would leave wear marks and drag lines on the bottom of the legs of the furniture. They bottom would be worn out and light in color. This is a huge indicator of an authentic antique Chinese furniture. If the bottom of the legs looks spotless and visibly new, then the furniture might not be authentic, and it is probably made not too long ago.

5. The Old Odor

This is a characteristic in old Asian furniture. They have a distinct smell and odor to them, which is very particular with antique furniture. The scent symbolizes old times and the time when the furniture was made. If you smell antique Asian tables, they have an old odor to them, which means that these pieces of furniture have been around for a lot of time. New furniture will not have an old wood scent to them.

6. Repair Marks

If an antique furniture has been around for a long time, then it is quite possible that repairs have been done to this piece of furniture. It is mostly done on the base of the furniture or the back side. Look for these repair marks, as this is a clear sign that your furniture is old and most probably, antique.