Antique low elm wood furniture – China, around 1900

This antique low furniture made of elm is a Chinese piece in red lacquer with drawers and a central niche. It comes from northern China, from the Qing dynasty, when elm was lacquered for domestic furniture. These low and elongated pieces were used close to the ground, near the kang or against the wall, to store and display household items. The reduced height corresponds to a domestic life on mats and platforms. The body is made of solid elm, with mortise and tenon joints, two side doors, an open central niche, and a row of drawers beneath the niche. The doors retain their iron ring handles. The red lacquer has worn away to reveal the wood, with a warm patina and an earthy tone. It does not feature painted decoration: the interest lies in the aged surface. It appears authentic, without restoration that obscures it. Due to its low and elongated proportions, it can be used as a living room piece, a television stand, or a storage console. It fits into wabi-sabi, japandi, and rustic interiors, where it brings warmth and texture. Details. Dimensions: Length 150 cm – Depth 21 cm – Height 31 cm. Style: Chinese. Materials and techniques: Elm wood; iron fittings; red lacquer; mortise and tenon joints. Place of origin: China. Period: Qing dynasty. Date of manufacture: Circa 1900. Condition / Observations: Good. Worn red lacquer revealing the wood, warm patina. Wear consistent with age and use.