Among China's newly rich, nothing signals success like imported European luxury: Lamborghinis, $3,000 bottles of Pinot Noir and furniture hand-crafted in Italy.
But in the world's counterfeit mecca, where illicit factories churn out Gucci purses and fake iPods alike, even the wealthy are duped into buying knock offs.
The Chinese media is reporting that a furniture brand popular among the rich across Asia has been selling items tagged "Made in Italy" that are actually made closer to home in industrial China.
Other furniture, officials said, was labelled "rare wood" but made of fiberboard instead. Many of the brand's items cost tens of thousands of dollars.
According to Reuters and AFP, the Da Vinci brand denies the allegations made by Shanghai authorities.
One unconvinced customer told China Daily outlet he wanted to return all of his nearly $500,000 worth of purchases to the store, Reuters reported.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!