Old console in elm with ironwork – China, circa 1900

Console made of elm wood with ironwork, China, circa 1900. This piece belongs to the rural furniture of northern China, where functionality and structural solidity guided the design. Originally designed as a work table or domestic console, it reflects a sincere aesthetic related to daily life, far from the decorative codes of court furniture. Its compact and balanced proportions place it within the utilitarian productions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Made of solid elm wood, it features traditional joinery visible in the top and structure. The front is distinguished by its wrought iron elements with visible rivets, both functional and decorative. The upper drawers and the cut-out crossbar add rhythm and architectural depth. The surface retains a remarkable original patina, with natural wear, variations in hue, and traces of old finishes that testify to decades of use. The wood shows shrinkage, marks, and accumulated texture, enhancing its authenticity and material presence. Details. Dimensions: Width: 103 cm Depth: 40 cm Height: 82 cm. Style: Chinese rural / Primitive. Materials and techniques: Elm wood; wrought iron; traditional joinery. Place of origin: China (north) Period: Late 19th – early 20th century. Date of manufacture: Circa 1900. Condition: Generally good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Original patina preserved with losses of finish, marks, cracks, and oxidation of metal elements.