Hi Stephanie,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Small elm cabinets in the form of tables with one drawer and approximately this size are most often associated with Chinese domestic furniture, usually dating from the late Qing dynasty to early 20th century (c. 1880–1930). They are sometimes described in the trade as low altar cabinets, scholar’s cabinets, or low kang tables.

They differ from altar tables, which are taller, wider, and meant to be placed against a wall.

Having said that, pieces like this could sometimes hold devotional objects, especially in modest homes, where they might have served as a stand for a small shrine figure, a place to hold incense, candles, or offering bowls, or to support figures of deities such as Guanyin or Guandi. In this function, this would be more appropriately be called a "shrine stand".

Similarly sized tables, also of elm and of comparable date (late 19th/early 20th Century) have been selling at auction for between $250 and $450, though if I were to see this in a dealer's shop, I would not be surprised to see a retail price of around $800 or more.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Chinese Qing dynasty elm altar cabinet or shrine stand
late 19th/early 20th Century
Of rectangular section, the paneled frame fitted with a long drawer, over a shaped apron, raised on squared legs. With brass mounts.
Height: 12 inches; width: 26 inches; depth: 16 inches
CONDITION: With nice patina and wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Discovered on Facebook Marketplace
$ 250-450*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia