I am by far not an expert and to be honest, my main advantage is simply having the opportunity to see, touch & feel different restored, un-restored pieces on regular basis. When the factory is literally right behind you and you can hang out with the workers and see the entire process, one can learn a lot quickly.
With that said, if I didn’t have this chance, I would definitely assume this table is a genuine antique.
Its a great reproduction and the finish genuinely feels like it has age – from the coloration to the crackle to the rubbed edges and dirtiness of it all. Though hard to see from the photos, it also has a certain dirty feel to it, giving the impression it has been just recently unearthed from the ground. When I get a free moment, I need to talk with the worker to see exactly how they do this particular lacquering technique – though I am guessing it involves a fabric base, some dirt and probably a blow torch.
The crackle technique sounds harsh it just does not resonate with the idea of fragile antiques, but then that is the point you are making . The reality and the dream are totally polar opposites.