Antique pine panelled buffet – China, circa 1900

This antique pine panelled sideboard is a Chinese piece with two doors featuring nine recessed panels per door and iron pull rings. It originates from northern China, from the Qing dynasty, where the pine was joined using mortise and tenon joints without any carving. The grid of nine panels is a constructive solution before being decorative: it divides the door into small squares so that the wood can move without splitting. In northern domestic furniture, this geometric discipline replaced carved ornamentation, which was reserved for higher-ranking pieces. The case is made of solid pine. Two framed doors open to an interior with a full-width shelf, and the uprights extend into bracket feet. The back edge of the top has a band of iron riveted with round-headed nails, an old reinforcement made on-site. The surface has lost almost all of its finish and shows the bare pine in a greyish pink tone. The mouldings of the panels retain remnants of dark lacquer in the grooves. The wear is consistent, and there is no repainting. Details Dimensions: Length 192 cm – Depth 46 cm – Height 88 cm Style: Chinese panelled Materials and techniques: Pine wood; wrought iron fittings and riveted band; mortise and tenon joinery; remnants of original lacquer. Place of origin: China Period: Qing dynasty Date of manufacture: Circa 1900 Condition / Observations: Good. Finish lost and wood exposed, remnants of dark lacquer in the mouldings. Wear consistent with age and use.