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Qing Nesting Tables - Restore or Not Restore?

Posted By: Tim
Posted Date: Dec 08, 2009 (08:07 AM)

Message
I recently bought this trio of Chinese nesting tables. The appear to be 19th c. and of good quality, but the condition of the tables has me wondering whether to restore or leave them as they are.

Here's a link to some photos of the tables...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/4169383444/

Naturally, as just a decorative piece I would restore them, but I realize as an antique that restorations can have an adverse affect on the value.

A similar set sold at Sotheby's (New York) for $9,000 in 2004. Here's the link ...
http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?lot_id=4B46P

The surfaces of the tables have minor wear/scratches, but overall are quite nice - really great paintings of bird & flowers.

The legs have losses of lacquer near the feet and a few chips here and there, but again, 95% or better in good shape.

The edges of the tables are the real issue. There are several areas of lost lacquer in on all three tables (see photos). It seems easy enough to fix, but should I?

Thanks for the advice.
Tim

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Qing Nesting Tables - Restore or Not Restore? - peterp - Dec 12, 2009 (08:01 PM)