Old furniture has stood the test of time, bearing witness to the evolution of history and culture across different eras. It has transitioned from a symbol of its time to a cultural treasure that continues to spread and inspire. The reason old furniture survives is not only due to its artistic value but also because of its deep historical significance, which earns it recognition and protection.
**Old furniture is hard to evaluate**
In recent years, old furniture has gone through a dramatic transformation—from a rising star in the art market to an item that now commands astronomical prices. It has become a major focus for top auction houses and antique dealers around the world. For example, a Ming Dynasty Huanghuali chair once sold for over 70 million yuan, while a Qing Dynasty rosewood bed with arhat motifs fetched more than 30 million. These staggering figures have made people take notice.
Even during the past two years of economic downturns, the old furniture market remained resilient. Its value no longer fits into traditional price categories, making it seem unpredictable. When high prices and sustained demand make people dream of returns, it often signals a coming wave of appreciation. This isn’t a sudden event—it’s part of the natural cycle. People tend to rediscover what they’ve lost, but the market is always volatile, with no real bottom or calm period.
As the popularity of collecting old furniture grows, so does the problem of fakes and distressed pieces flooding the market. These imitations come in all styles—ranging from imperial court designs to regional variations. Some are so well-crafted that even experts struggle to tell them apart. From materials to finishes, they look authentic, often accompanied by expert certificates or auction labels. Some even carry imported lacquer, making it even harder for collectors to distinguish the real from the fake.
Terms like “Late Ming Dynasty and Early Qing Dynasty†or “Three Generations of Qing†are commonly used by appraisers, yet these attributions remain vague. Identifying old furniture is far more challenging than assessing porcelain or bronze. In many cases, three experts can give three different opinions. Ancient craftsmen were secretive, and even royal artisans passed down their techniques through generations, making mass production difficult and standardization nearly impossible.
Throughout history, imitation of valuable furniture has never stopped. During the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, many Ming-style pieces were copied. Even within the same dynasty, there were numerous folk imitations of royal furniture. Additionally, environmental factors and storage conditions can greatly affect the wood’s structure and appearance, leading to misinterpretations. These elements contribute to the difficulty in identifying genuine antique furniture.
**Methods for identifying old furniture**
I personally evaluate old furniture by looking at six key aspects: form, craftsmanship, style, material, finish, and microscopic details. Fakes often try to mimic these elements as well, so patience and thorough analysis are essential. While "form, craftsmanship, and style" have clear historical traits, most of these have already been studied, reducing the chances of error unless dealing with low-quality imitations.
The choice of wood is another challenge. Certain types, like old Huanghuali, are hard to replicate. The "finish" is also tricky—real aged finishes are neither too dirty nor too shiny, showing a natural patina. The "microscopic" level is even more complex, as old furniture undergoes oxidation and microbial changes over time. These signs are difficult to fake and require scientific tools for accurate assessment.
It's common for experts to make mistakes when identifying old furniture. Today, regulations prevent individual experts from appraising items privately, requiring multi-person evaluations. Science and pseudoscience continue to clash, and proper identification should rely on logic and evidence. Each piece of old furniture is a unique blend of beauty and strength, a work of art that embodies both form and function. When you fall in love with a piece, you may also face the realization that some things are simply not meant to be owned. In such moments, learning to accept and let go becomes the true lesson.
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