Black lacquer nested tables with mother of pearl inlay and gold leaf decoration. Ornate castle scenes and checkerboard depicted on tabletops..
Category
Furniture
Medium
Wood, black lacquer, gold leaf and mother of pearl.
Distinguishing marks
Ornate idyllic castle scenes and checkerboard.
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Height: 28.5 in, Width:22.0 in, Depth 15.0 in.
Date Period
1920
Weight
15-20 lbs
History
These tables have been in my family since I was a child. Acquired by my stepmother, who collected antiques, in about 1957. Tables were quite old at the time of purchase.
Style: Asian export (likely Chinese or Korean influence), Chinoiserie
Materials: Wood, black lacquer finish, hand-painted gold leaf motifs, mother of pearl inlay
Top designs:
One features a castle scene with landscape and foliage
One includes a checkerboard motif with floral borders
One displays a romantic country or palace scene, all framed in floral gold detailing
Period & Origin:
Estimated to be from circa 1920s, aligning with the Chinoiserie revival and export furniture popularity
Likely of East Asian origin, produced for Western markets (e.g., British or American export) in the late Qing Dynasty to Republic of China period, or similar decorative work from Korea
The crackle lacquer finish, mother-of-pearl inlay, and stenciled gilt work are characteristic of that period
Construction & Features:
Tapered legs with stylized paw feet
Beautiful condition with some wear and aging to the lacquer — notably crackle patterns, common and even desirable in aged lacquerware
Each table fits neatly under the next (classic nesting structure)
Condition:
Good antique condition
Some scuffing and wear consistent with age (particularly on the top surface of the largest table)
Mother of pearl inlay and hand-painted gold leaf remain well-preserved and vibrant
Estimated Current Market Value (USD):
Market Context
Estimated Value
Private Sale or Estate Auction
$400 – $700
Retail Antique Dealer Price
$700 – $1,000+
High-End Asian Furniture Auction
Up to $1,200
Market Notes:
Sets like this are highly collectible, especially when complete and well-preserved
Mother of pearl inlay significantly enhances decorative value
Popular with collectors of Oriental Revival, Art Deco, and Chinoiserie furniture
Recommendations for Sale:
Ideal venues: Chairish, Ruby Lane, Etsy (Vintage section), or LiveAuctioneers
Describe as: “Antique Black Lacquer Nesting Tables, Circa 1920, Mother of Pearl Inlay & Gold Leaf, Chinoiserie Style – Castle & Checkerboard Scenes”
Antique Black Lacquer Nesting Tables with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Item Description:
Period & Origin:
Construction & Features:
Condition:
Estimated Current Market Value (USD):
Market Context
Estimated Value
Private Sale or Estate Auction
$400 – $700
Retail Antique Dealer Price
$700 – $1,000+
High-End Asian Furniture Auction
Up to $1,200
Market Notes:
Recommendations for Sale:
“Antique Black Lacquer Nesting Tables, Circa 1920, Mother of Pearl Inlay & Gold Leaf, Chinoiserie Style – Castle & Checkerboard Scenes”