Antique buffet painted in elm wood – China, circa 1950

This antique buffet, painted in elm wood, features two doors with painted panels depicting shan-shui landscapes on a cream background and a vermilion red peripheral frame. It originates from China, dating to the mid-20th century, where the elm was crafted using traditional mortise and tenon joinery. Chinese painted furniture with a light palette—cream and off-white backgrounds—allowed for the representation of landscape scenes in fine ink, distinct from the dark lacquer of furniture further south. Buffets with two painted panel doors were reserved in homes for storing domestic items, textiles, and crockery, and also served as a central decorative element in the main room. The body is constructed from solid elm. The front consists of two identical doors with a vermilion red peripheral frame outlined in black and a central panel painted on a cream background. Below the doors, a painted crossbar completes the composition. The feet extend at right angles to the ground. The joinery is traditional Chinese mortise and tenon, without screws. The painted decoration on the panels depicts shan-shui landscapes in soft ink: tiered mountains, pavilions, small figures, and leafy vegetation. The shan-shui landscape was the exercise of scholars and a mental refuge. The palette combines cream backgrounds, ochre and black inks, with the vermilion red framing providing a warm contrast. The composition is clearly legible despite aging. Details. Dimensions: Length 146 cm – Depth 40 cm – Height 96 cm. Style: Qing Dynasty. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; wrought iron fittings; traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joinery; painted panels on a cream background with vermilion red profiling. Place of origin: China. Period: Mid-20th century. Date of manufacture: Circa 1950. Condition / Observations: Good. Cream paint and vermilion frames with preserved original wear. Wear consistent with age and use.