When shopping for China furniture, it can be difficult to tell the difference between real and fake pieces. To ensure you’re investing in quality pieces, it’s important to understand the unique characteristics of genuine China furniture. In this blog post, we’ll look at what China furniture is and the features to look for when determining whether a piece is real or not.
Table of Contents
Inspect the materials
Check for a maker’s mark
Research the piece online
Wrapping up
Inspect the materials
When shopping for China furniture, it is important to be aware of the materials used in the construction of the piece. Different types of China furniture materials are used, ranging from hardwoods to bamboo, lacquerware, and clay.
Hardwood pieces are typically constructed from a variety of Chinese woods such as Chinese elm, Chinese walnut, Chinese oak, and Chinese cedar. These pieces are often used to make tables, chairs, and other furniture items due to their strength and lasting durability. When inspecting a hardwood China furniture piece, it is important to check for any splits or cracks in the wood. Additionally, look for signs of wear or tear that could indicate it has been poorly maintained.
Bamboo is another popular choice when it comes to China furniture. This material is lightweight yet strong and can be used to make both indoor and outdoor furniture. To ensure that your bamboo piece is authentic, look for smooth, even grains. The joints will show you whether the furniture was made to last long or whether it will get damaged within a short time. Inspect the joints to make sure they are firmly glued and secured with screws or nails. Additionally, look for evidence of mold or mildew which could indicate the piece is not high-quality.
Lacquerware is one of the oldest materials used to make China furniture. This type of furniture is characterized by its bright, glossy finish which comes from several layers of varnish that are applied to the piece. To check for quality lacquerware, inspect for any scratches, chips, or discoloration which can indicate the piece is not made with quality materials.
Lastly, clay is a popular material used to make many types of China furniture. Clay pieces are known for their unique textures and styles. When inspecting a clay piece, check for signs of cracking or crumbling which can indicate the piece was not properly treated or fired. If a piece begins to crack or crumble soon after purchase, then it is safe to say that it will not last long enough to serve you effectively. Additionally, look for signs of moisture damage as this can indicate poor craftsmanship.
Overall, when shopping for China furniture it is important to inspect the material to ensure it is high-quality and authentic. By inspecting each type of material thoroughly before making a purchase, you will be able to buy a piece that you can enjoy for many years to come.
Check for a maker’s mark
When looking for a genuine China furniture piece, it is important to check for a maker’s mark. The mark is usually located either on the underside of the piece, near the back, or on the inside of the drawer. The maker’s mark is normally stamped into the wood, although it can also appear as a paper label. It should include details such as the name of the maker and their place of origin. This is the best way to identify an authentic China furniture piece and to ensure you are getting a quality product. There are certain famous China furniture makers that have been in the market for decades. Make sure to check for their labels before purchasing. Their pieces have stood the test of time and they are known to give authentic, durable furniture. That’s already a guarantee that you’ll be getting top-quality furniture.
Research the piece online
When it comes to buying China furniture, the best way to make sure you’re getting an authentic piece is to do your research. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can use the Internet to verify the authenticity of China furniture.
To start, search for the exact style of China furniture you’re looking at. This will give you a sense of its history and background, including its time period, materials used, and notable features. Knowing the history and specifics of the piece will help you identify any potential red flags.
You can also use online resources to compare the piece you’re looking at with images of known authentic pieces. By comparing the details and designs, you’ll be able to tell if the piece is a legitimate antique or a modern reproduction.
Be sure to check for reviews on any sellers you’re considering purchasing from. Reviews can help ensure that the seller is reputable and trustworthy, and also provide helpful feedback about their customer service.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Whether you’re buying online or in person, asking questions about the piece’s age and condition can be invaluable in making sure you get a genuine China furniture item.
Wrapping up
China furniture is among the most aesthetic decor pieces anyone can add to their homes. They are full of intricate designs that beautify the room and lift the face of any space. Since China furniture can be costly, it is vital to make sure that you are getting a real piece and not a duplicate.
Make sure that you inspect the materials used to make the piece and how it has been put together. Check for the maker’s mark or branding on the piece to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Lastly, do your research online and read reviews from other China furniture enthusiasts. This will give you headway into whether what you’re about to buy is real or not.
You are now well equipped to buy authentic China furniture pieces.