Antique Chinese pine wood chest – China, circa 1930

Antique Chinese pine wood chest, traditional storage furniture originating from Dongbei, dated around 1930. It comes from Dongbei in northeastern China, from the early 20th century, where pine was worked using traditional carpentry without nails and reinforced with original wrought iron fittings. In rural Dongbei homes in the early 20th century, storage chests were central pieces of the household trousseau. They contained clothing, textiles, and personal items as part of the marriage trousseau (jiazhuang), which is why they often received painted decoration on the front face, the only visible side when the piece was placed against the wall. They are part of the utilitarian tradition of northeastern China. Constructed from solid pine. The drop lid opens on original wrought iron hinges and retains the locking mechanism. The edges feature a metal reinforcement band. Side handles facilitate transport. Traditional carpentry without nails. Details. Dimensions: Length 74 cm – Depth 54 cm – Height 50 cm. Style: Chinese utilitarian furniture. Materials and techniques: Solid pine, wrought iron fittings, locking mechanism, metal side handles; drop lid, traditional carpentry without nails. Place of origin: Dongbei, China. Period: Late Qing dynasty / early Republic of China (circa 1930) Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Functional fittings. Original patina and paint. Possible marks and signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.