Antique pine sideboard with original red paint – China, circa 1920

This antique pine wood sideboard, with its original red paint, two drawers and two doors, is a domestic piece from northern China around 1920. It does not retain a manufacturer's label and is described by typology and region. The drawer sideboards from Shanxi were part of the essential furniture in rural living rooms: the high drawers securely held seeds, spices, or small treasures, while the lower doors housed bedding or everyday utensils. The red paint was applied to the pine to protect it and add colour to the interior. The structure is assembled with blind mortise and tenon joints. A thick layer of vermilion pigmented lacquer covers the front, sides, and top. The two lower doors pivot on axes and close with forged iron rings and leaf-shaped lock entries. The two high drawers retain their original pulls. The patina shows irregular and vibrant wear: the deep red dominates the central panels, while the edges, corners, and top reveal the light pine after decades of use. This layered reading is intentional and contributes to the historical value of the piece. No invasive restoration has been carried out. It functions as a characterful sideboard in an entrance, an open kitchen, or a rustic-contemporary living room. Its palette—deep red on bright wood—harmonises with whitewashed walls, glazed ceramic floors, and wabi-sabi or bohemian interiors that embrace saturated colour as an accent. Details. Materials and techniques: Solid pine wood; original red paint on wood; forged iron fittings. Place of origin: Shanxi (China) Period: Early Republican period. Date of manufacture: Circa 1920. Dimensions: Length 88 cm – Depth 40 cm – Height 85 cm. Condition: Good. Original patina and paint. Wear consistent with age. May show signs of use. No manufacturer labels retained.