Old pine wood buffet – China, circa 1930

Low buffet, an old piece made of pine, Chinese provincial furniture from Gansu, dated around 1930. Originating from Gansu in western China, from the early 20th century, where local pine was crafted using traditional mortise and tenon joinery without nails, featuring openwork on the friezes. In the salons and bedrooms of Gansu homes in the early 20th century, low buffets served for discreet storage and as bases for visual compositions. Their modest height allowed for artworks to be hung above without obstruction. Their typology belongs to the provincial tradition of western China. Constructed from solid Gansu pine using traditional nail-free joinery. The front features a central open compartment framed by openwork with a Chinese geometric pattern, two side doors, and five lower drawers with forged iron ring handles. The legs are square in section. The joinery retains the imprint of regional furniture from western China. Details. Dimensions: Length 155 cm – Depth 26.5 cm – Height 47 cm. Style: Chinese provincial furniture. Materials and techniques: Solid Gansu pine, wrought iron fittings; nail-free mortise and tenon joinery, openwork in the central niche, five lower drawers. Place of origin: Gansu, China. Period: Late Qing dynasty / early Republic of China (circa 1930) Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Original patina. Functional fittings. Wear consistent with age and use.