How Do You Tell An Antique Chinese Desk From A Reproduction?
Buyers of antique furniture must be on guard against cleverly disguised reproduction pieces sold at antique prices. This is especially true when shopping for antique furniture purportedly from foreign lands and when these pieces are sold online. While there are many legitimate dealers for true Chinese antique desks and other furnishings, many of these companies also “specialize” in “authentic reproductions”. Use your common sense and these investigative tools when shopping for antique furniture from these kinds of dealerships. Examine the desk very carefully. Look for any indications that the piece was manufactured with power tools or with methods more suitable for periods before 1910. Anything made after 1910 is not an “Antique.” It may be a Vintage piece (younger than 100 years) or a Collectible (special interest), however. Look for any joints or wood cuts that are modern in manufacturing method. Furniture made in China before 1910 was, more often than not, entirely hand made so ther
