While there is nothing wrong with buying quality reproductions of Chinese antique furniture, no one wants to find out that they've bought a reproduction when they wanted a genuine antique. Before listing sources for Chinese antique furniture pieces, potential buyers need to know how to figure out what might be real or not.

To start out, I suggest you take along an experienced and reputable decorator and/or expert in Chinese antiques. You can often find one at a local art or furniture museum. Historical societies can also guide you to the right person. Some museums actually have special days of the month where people can consult with experts, sometimes for free or sometimes for a reasonable price. The price could be well worth it, especially if it saves you from a costly mistake.

Also, consider signing up for free classes at a decorating studio or at a art museum. During these tours, experts will often point out the specific factors which distinguish genuine Chinese antique furniture from reproductions. Shows like Antique Road Show can also be useful and you can visit their site and archives.

In addition to information found on the site by doing a search of Chinese antique furniture, you can find appraisers there. One example? Lark E. Mason, Jr, a specialist in Chinese arts and furniture. You can see more about this expert here and perhaps get a referral to a similar specialist in your town.

Consult a book which is generally recognized as accurate. Mr Mason's book, Classic Chinese Furniture (a translation of a work by a Chinese writer) would be an excellent reference. Mr. Mason is a curator and advisor to many museums and considered a specialist when it comes to Chinese antiques and furniture.

By jcorn, published Jan 30, 2008