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Pair of Narrow Red Lacquer Two Door Cabinets
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of c. 1900 narrow red lacquer two door cabinets from Hebei Province, China with three
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Elm

George III Mahogany Bookcase
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular dentilled cornice over a pair of doors with Chinese Chippendale mullions enclosing
Category

1770s English George III Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Sideboard Original Black/Burgendy Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
drawers. Under drawers a couple of doors in the middle flanked by shelves. China, Jiangsu Province
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Elm

Irish George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Essex, MA
THE TALL BROKEN ARCH PEDIMENT OVER A PAIR OF DOORS WITH CHINESE CHIPPENDALE MULLIONS ENCLOSING TWO
Category

18th Century and Earlier Irish Georgian Antique Chinese Shelves

19th Century French Oak Cupboard
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden display cabinet from 19th century France. This neo-classically inspired china cabinet
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Oak

George III Mahogany Four Tier What-Not
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
-quarters of the 19th century. A series of shelves for holding china, ornaments or "what not".   
Category

18th Century British George III Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century George II Pitch Pine English Dresser
Located in Dallas, TX
Georgian piece with it’s simple clean lines. 4 Shelves for china display with groove on the shelf for
Category

Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Pine

Antique George IV Mahogany Stepback Bookcase c. 1830
Located in Westfield, MA
a subtle elegance. Inside, it offers two adjustable shelves for books, china, or display. The lower
Category

Early 19th Century English George IV Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Antique French Louis Philippe Period Walnut Buffet à Deux Corps or Bibliotheque
Located in Birmingham, AL
reveal three shelves for displaying china, glassware, a priceless book collection, family heirlooms, or
Category

1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Brass

Small French Hand Carved Oak Metal Leaf Cabinet /Vitrine / Bar/ Bookcase
Located in New York City, NY
Cupboard, Credenza, Cupboard, Dresser, Dry Bar, Secretaire, Shelves, Sideboard, Vitrine, China and display
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Oak

French Art Deco Three Door Walnut Cabinet/ Vitrine/ Bar with Metal Leaf Detail
Located in New York City, NY
, Corner Cupboard, Credenza, Cupboard, Dresser, Dry Bar, Secretaire, Shelves, Sideboard, Vitrine, China and
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Silver Leaf

Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Canterbury Whatnot, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
consists of slender uprights or pillars, supporting a series of shelves for holding china, ornaments
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Pair of Antique Chinese Inspired Wall Shelves or Brackets with Detailed Panels
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
China in approximately 1920 in the period Chinese Export style. The shelves clip together with small
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Softwood

Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Scholars Shelves
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of early 20th century shelves owes its minimal design to the simplified lines and austere
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Brass

Period Chinese Chippendale Wall Shelf
Located in Bradenton, FL
A very nice large period carved Mahogany Chinese Chippendale hanging four tier shelf. Very good
Category

Early 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

A Fine Bamboo Display / Book Case With Black Lacquer Shelves
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant bamboo display / book case with black lacquer shelves, lattice fret work
Category

1890s Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

Small Chinese Curio Display Case
Located in Sheffield, MA
This exquisite piece features six shelves with varying levels and glass door for displaying small
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Provincial Chinese Shanxi Staircase
Located in Chicago, IL
courtyard home in China's Shanxi province. Utilizing mortise-and-tenon joinery methods, with minimal use of
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Folio Stand
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century Chinese hardwood folio / magazine stand, this fabulous piece is profusely carved all
Category

1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Wooden Chinese Chippendale Wall Shelf or Hanging Bookshelf with Drawers
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
have been made in England in circa 1790 in the period Chinese Chippendale style. This shelf as a very
Category

Late 18th Century English Chinese Chippendale Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Softwood

Corner Shelf Chinese Production Early 20th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very beautiful Chinese corner shelf in black lacquer, from the beginning of the 20th century. The
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Bamboo Chippendale Style Lacquer Decorated Etagere
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine antique étagère with good proportions and condition. The Chinese Chippendale form holds
Category

19th Century Asian Chinese Chippendale Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Lacquer

19th Century Bamboo Lacquered Hall Table Shelf
Located in New York, NY
19th century hall table also called Half Table. Bamboo construction with embossed paper lacquered to the wooden flats that make up the shelfs and walls. Chinoiserie style painting to...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Paper

19th Century Chinese Hardwood Shelves
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality set of 19th century Chinese hardwood open shelves. Having wonderful hand carved
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Fine Chinese Scholar s Manuscript Shelves
Located in Chicago, IL
These gorgeous hardwood shelves once took pride of place in a Qing-dynasty home or scholars
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Hardwood

Pair of Fine Chinese Scholar s Scroll Shelves
Located in Chicago, IL
Collecting was a popular pastime for well-to-do Ming and Qing dynasty gentleman and shelves like
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chinese Scholar s Shelves, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, these upright display shelves are constructed with lightweight
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chinese Scholars Shelves, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, this pair of two-drawer collector's shelves is seamlessly
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Chinese Painted Bamboo Cabinet with Interior Drawers and Shelves
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stylish Chinese bamboo cabinet of traditional design, the two exterior doors with well-executed
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Chinese Hand Painted Dragon Rural Scene Side Cabinet Cupboard Shelves
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Chinese side cupboard depicting dragons and early rural animals A very good looking and well made
Category

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Chinese Antique Original Elmwood Bookcase with Four Shelves and Open Sides
Located in Yonkers, NY
in China, this elmwood bookcase features an open structure made of four shelves flanked with open
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Elm

Tall Chinese Antique Two-Part Lacquered Cupboard with Shelves, Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
and opening to reveal inner shelves. Boasting a lovely lacquered patina, this Chinese antique cupboard
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Tall Antique Chinese Two-Part Lacquered Cabinet with Shelves, Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
and opening to reveal inner shelves. Boasting a lovely lacquered patina, this Chinese antique cabinet
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Elm Cabinets with Drawers and Shelves
Located in Yonkers, NY
A handsome pair of antique Chinese cabinets from the early 20th century, showcasing rich wood grain
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Brass

Fine Jumu Console Table with Shelves and Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refine and elegant Jumu console table with shelves and three drawers with panels legs, elegant
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

19th Century Chinese Table Cabinet
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Highly decorative 19th century Chinese table cabinet with open shelves, drawers and storage area
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Marble

Pair of Tall Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinets with Four Doors
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
and interior shelves. China, circa late 1800s. Overall dimensions: 33 1/2" wide x 21 1/4" deep x 91
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Elm

Antique Chinese Lamp Table with Dark Patina, Pierced Apron and Geometric Design
Located in Yonkers, NY
shelves. Born in China during the early years of the 20th century, this exquisite side table features a
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Warm 19th Century Large Oak English China Cupboard Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Classic large oak sideboard china cupboard having three shelves above three drawers with elegant
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Oak

Dutch 18th century Baroque Vitrine or Bookcase
Located in Troy, NY
display-shelves, (likely for the display of a china collection). The shelves could easily be replaced or
Category

Mid-18th Century Dutch Baroque Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Oak

George II Style Overmantle Mirror
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
would be great mirror in an interior with a chinoiserie theme, with six shelves to place Chinese or
Category

1920s Unknown George II Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Giltwood, Mirror

Period Swedish Empire Bookcase Cabinet Cabinetmaker s Sample
Located in Atlanta, GA
. Use as a bookcase, vitrine, curio cabinet, china cabinet or breakfront. Upper shelves are fixed
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Welsh Dresser
Located in Dallas, TX
sides. 3 Shelves for china display with frove on the shelf for holding the china in place and prevent
Category

Late 18th Century Welsh George III Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Elm, Oak, Sycamore

Pair Chinese Elm Open Shelves
Located in London, GB
Pair of Chinese, Shangdong Province, Elm open display shelves 19th Century.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

A Fine Set of Chinese Chippendale Period Mahogany Hanging Shelves c.1760
Located in New York, NY
A Fine Set of Chinese Chippendale Period Figured Solid Mahogany Hanging Shelves, having pierced
Category

18th Century and Earlier English Chinese Chippendale Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Brass

George III Hanging Shelves in the Chinese Chippendale Taste
Located in Bradford on Avon, GB
George III Hanging Shelves in the Chinese Chippendale Taste
Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Chinese Shelves

Carved 19th Century Chinese Open Wall Shelves
Located in Darwen, GB
Carved 19th century Chinese open wall shelves. The finely carved gallery above two shaped shelves
Category

1880s Antique Chinese Shelves

Pair of 19th Century English Wall Hanging Shelves with Brass Finials
Located in Uppingham, Rutland
Very elegant pair of late 19th century mahogany hanging shelves with brass finials and beautiful
Category

1880s English Chinese Chippendale Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Mahogany

Good Chinese Hardwood Étagère
Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire
A good Chinese hardwood étagère. Carved with an overall bamboo design, delicately finished with
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Export Black Gold Lacquered Etagere
Located in New York, NY
Four shelves over four drawers
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Pair: Chinese Bamboo Lacquered Wood Bookcases
Located in Seattle, WA
A fine pair of Chinese bamboo and softwood bookcases (shujia). Of rectangular form, the top and
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wood

Late 19th Century Chinese Rosewood Hanging Shelve
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century Chinese rosewood hanging shelve.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Rosewood

A Pair Of Small 20th Century Chinese Hardwood Cabinets
Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire
A small Chinese hardwood cabinet which can be used as a standing or a wall fixing late 20th century
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Chinese Rosewood Key Fret Dovetailed Tabletop Display Shelf
Located in Sacramento, CA
Early 20th century Chinese suanzhi wood (rosewood) curio display shelf. Beautifully crafted with
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Rosewood

Rare Chinese Chippendale Rosewood Fretwork Open Bookshelf, English 1765
Located in New York, NY
Fine and rare Chinese Chippendale solid rosewood standing bookshelves, having alternating pierced
Category

1760s English Chinoiserie Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Asian Lacquered and Gilt Wall Shelf with an Ornate Pagoda Motif
Located in Richmond, VA
a pagoda and ornate motif. All faces are slightly raised. Two shelves.
Category

19th Century French Chinese Export Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer, Wood

19th Century Asian Lacquered and Gilt Wall Shelf with an Ornate Pagoda Motif
Located in Richmond, VA
a pagoda and ornate motif. All faces are slightly raised. Two shelves.
Category

19th Century French Chinese Export Antique Chinese Shelves

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer, Wood

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Antique Chinese Shelves For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique Chinese shelves for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique Chinese shelves was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and elm. There are all kinds of antique Chinese shelves available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique Chinese shelves made by Art Deco designers — as well as those associated with Industrial — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many antique Chinese shelves are appealing in their simplicity, but Wellington Machine co produced popular antique Chinese shelves that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Chinese Shelves?

Prices for antique Chinese shelves start at $122 and top out at $16,800 with the average selling for $3,200.

Finding the Right Storage-case-pieces for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Chinese Shelves
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify antique Chinese furniture, look carefully at its details. Chinese craftsmen often built furniture using mortise and tenon joinery, eliminating the need for nails and screws. If you see this type of hardware, your piece is likely not at least 100 years old, especially if the hardware still looks new and shiny. Since antique furniture was handmade, you will normally see slight imperfections, such as tool marks or slight variations in carvings. Pieces that appear completely uniform and pristine are less often genuine antiques.

    When present, maker's marks can also be helpful. Research the marks to learn more about when the maker was active and producing pieces like yours. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your furniture for you.

    Shop an assortment of antique Chinese furniture.
  • PAGODA RED
    PAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020

    To determine the age of a Chinese furniture piece, look carefully at the joinery and finish. Natural expansion and contraction of the wood over time will cause a joint to protrude or retract, distorting a once-seamless fit. Antique lacquer finishes become crackled and worn over time. Areas of exposed wood, such as the underside of a table, the footrest of a chair, or the back of a cabinet should appear raw and dry compared to the finished surface. With use, the legs of tables and chairs become weathered near the bottom from precipitation and use.

  • Lotus Gallery
    Lotus GallerySeptember 23, 2020

    The best way to know is to take it to an expert, such as an appraiser, reputable dealer or auction house, or museum

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