Featured I just inherited this table. How can I tell how old it is?

Here are some pics. The table is 19" tall and 16.5" across. It has been in our family for at least 80 years.

 

There's quite a few that turn up in a reverse image search. Everyone is listing them as antique or early 20th century Chinese carved tables.

 

What a pretty table. I get confused trying to date Chinese anything. When you make the same item the same way for 1000 years ,it can be daunting . Id guess early 20th century.

 

I'm not seeing a lot of Chinese imagery....

 

Yes, that is what they are. Mostly exported from Shanghai and Hongkong.

That is because the table is backlit, difficult to see details. But the cross construction is carved with bamboo leaves and I spotted a peony in the openwork carving. These tables are typical Export Chinese.

 

Bamboo:



Peony, in the centre:

 

And indeed made, and even custom made, well into mid-20th century. My wife’s dad shipped back a huge rocking chair in this over-carved style with his initials made into it when he returned from a business trip to HK in the 70s, though this table looks to be a bit older.

When shipping back custom tailored shirts just wasn’t enough.

 

My dad had 3 custom made silk shirts he bought in Hong Kong in the early 60s that I pilfered and wore in the late 70s,early 80s. I was built exactly like younger him so they fit perfectly. He also had a turquoise cashmere pullover that I commandeered. I loved those shirts and wore them to shreds. Hadnt thought of all that until your post,so thanks for the memories .