Low buffet in elm with four doors and three drawers – China, circa 1930

This low buffet in solid elm features a façade with four doors and three drawers, adorned with wrought iron ring handles. The top, made from a single plank with slightly raised ends, has developed a warm patina with dark stains from use. China, circa 1930. In rural homes in northern China, low buffets served as versatile furniture: for domestic storage, as a surface for placing items, or as a continuous bench near the kang. Their limited height catered to the logic of daily life largely conducted on the adobe platform of the kang. The construction is robust: solid elm for the structure and façades, traditional mortise and tenon joinery, a lower rail with a scalloped profile, and a top with slightly protruding ends. The hardware—locks and rings—is original and retains the patina of aged iron. Details. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; wrought iron hardware; mortise and tenon joinery. Place of origin: China. Period: Late Qing tradition. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Dimensions: Length 148 cm × Depth 40 cm × Height 61 cm. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Original patina.