Old elm wood console – China, circa 1920

Antique console made of elm wood, traditional Chinese furniture originating from northern China, dated around 1920. It comes from northern China, from the early 20th century, where the local elm was crafted using mortise and tenon joinery without nails, featuring solid tops and square-section legs. In northern Chinese homes, small consoles held a discreet place in the main room or in the anteroom. They served as a support surface, a small storage piece with one or two drawers, and an auxiliary piece for daily use. Constructed from solid pine using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without nails. The front features two small parallel drawers with circular iron handles. The sides and the lower part are reinforced by perimeter stretchers that strengthen the structure. The piece rests on four square-section legs. The patina retains the warm tone of the aged pine, with visible grain and knots, exposed joinery, and a matte sheen. The top and drawers show marks, stains, and signs of prolonged domestic use, integrated into the wood. Details. Dimensions: Length 91 cm – Depth 46.5 cm – Height 79 cm. Style: Northern Chinese provincial furniture. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; mortise and tenon joinery without nails, two drawers, circular iron handles, square-section legs with stretchers. Place of origin: Northern China. Period: Early Republic of China (circa 1920) Date of manufacture: Circa 1920. Condition / Observations: Sound structure. Original patina. Marks and signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.