Antique low elm wood furniture – China, around 1900

This antique low furniture made of elm is a Chinese piece in lacquer with polychrome drawers. It originates from northern China, from the Qing dynasty, when elm was lacquered and painted for domestic furniture. These low and elongated pieces were used close to the ground, near the kang or against the wall, to store and display household items. The reduced height corresponds to a domestic life on mats and platforms. The body is made of solid elm, with mortise and tenon joints, a central row of drawers, and side doors. The doors retain their iron ring handles. The drawer fronts are painted in blue, ochre, and red, with floral patterns; the side doors echo the floral repertoire. The bright and contrasting colours are characteristic of popular furniture from northern China. The lacquer shows uneven wear, with exposed wood at the edges and a warm patina beneath the colour. The surface appears authentic, without restoration that masks it. Due to its low and elongated proportion, it can be used as a living room piece, a television stand, or a storage console. It fits into wabi-sabi, japandi, and rustic interiors, where it brings warmth and texture. Details. Dimensions: Length 157 cm – Depth 25 cm – Height 32 cm. Style: Painted Chinese. Materials and techniques: Elm wood; iron fittings; polychrome lacquer; mortise and tenon joints; painted decoration. Place of origin: China. Period: Qing dynasty. Date of manufacture: Circa 1900. Condition / Observations: Good. Polychrome lacquer with uneven wear, exposed wood at the edges, and warm patina. Wear consistent with age and use.