Antique elm wood sideboard – China, circa 1950

This antique elm wood sideboard features four flat front panels at the top and three aligned lower drawers. It originates from eastern China, from the mid-20th century, where elm was crafted using traditional mortise and tenon joinery. Mid-20th century Chinese furniture retains traditional construction logic with a more understated formal language than pieces from the late Qing period. Sideboards with a top band of fixed panels and a lower band of drawers were used to store household items in main rooms and family dining areas. The simplicity of the facade reflects the aesthetic evolution of the period, close to modern lines. The body is constructed from solid elm. The upper part includes four framed square panels, without drawers or doors, which occupy the main volume. Below, there is a row of three long drawers with circular wrought iron handles. The base rests on straight feet integrated into the structure. The joinery is traditional Chinese mortise and tenon, without screws. The patina of the elm retains a warm brown tone with visible grain. The front panels display the natural pattern of the elm with soft chromatic variations. The hardware shows stable oxidation. The surface of the top plate exhibits natural signs of use: small longitudinal cracks and areas polished by handling. Details. Dimensions: Length 190 cm – Depth 45 cm – Height 91 cm. Style: Mid-century Chinese. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; wrought iron hardware; traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joinery; four flat front panels and three lower drawers. Place of origin: China. Period: Mid-20th century. Date of manufacture: Circa 1950. Condition / Observations: Good. Warm patina on the elm with slight signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.