Antique pine wood sideboard – China, circa 1950

Antique pine sideboard, traditional Chinese furniture with a patinated finish from Shanxi, dated around 1950. Originating from Shanxi in northern China, mid-20th century, where the local pine was crafted using mortise and tenon joinery without nails, featuring a dark pictorial finish that has naturally worn over time. In northern Chinese homes in the mid-20th century, the double-door sideboard remained an essential piece of the household trousseau: clothing, bedding, personal items. The light paint layer originally applied to the pine provided a chromatic uniformity and integrated it into interiors where the wood remained hidden beneath colour. Constructed from solid pine using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without nails. The front features two parallel doors made of recessed panels with moulded frames, articulated by circular iron latch handles. The sides follow the same design language. The piece stands on four short square-section feet with a low perimeter stretcher. Details. Dimensions: Length 171 cm – Depth 40 cm – Height 90 cm. Style: Northern Chinese provincial furniture. Materials and techniques: Solid pine, black-grey paint worn by use; mortise and tenon joinery without nails, two framed panel doors, circular iron latch handles. Place of origin: Shanxi (China) Era: People's Republic of China, early period (circa 1950) Date of manufacture: Circa 1950. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Original finish naturally worn, with significant losses revealing the wood. Wear consistent with age and use.