Old elm wood console – China, circa 1900

Antique console made of elm wood, traditional Chinese furniture originating from northern China, dated around 1900. It comes from northern China, from the late 19th century, where the local elm was crafted using mortise and tenon joinery without nails, featuring thick solid tops and tapered legs. In rural homes of northern China, narrow consoles served as a support surface in the main room, as an auxiliary table next to the kang, or as a multifunctional piece. The density of the elm and the unpretentious craftsmanship reflect the rural character of the furniture. Constructed from solid elm using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without nails. The upper top, of considerable thickness, retains the marks of the original tool and displays the characteristic grain of elm. The four square-section legs are reinforced by low perimeter stretchers. The joinery is straightforward, and the construction details remain visible. Details. Dimensions: Length 147 cm – Depth 36 cm – Height 80 cm. Style: Northern Chinese provincial furniture. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; mortise and tenon joinery without nails, considerable thickness top, tapered square-section legs with perimeter stretchers. Place of origin: Northern China. Period: Late Qing dynasty (circa 1900) Date of manufacture: Circa 1900. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Original patina. Marks and losses integrated into the wood. Wear consistent with age and use.