Antique low elm wood furniture – China, around 1900

This antique low furniture made of elm is a Chinese piece in red lacquer with painted decoration. 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, two side doors, and an open central niche. The doors retain their iron ring handles; drawers run beneath the niche. The decoration is painted on the red lacquer: a bouquet of peonies on each door, in light tones. The peony, the "queen of flowers, " symbolises wealth and honour. The red background frames the bouquets and unifies the façade. The red lacquer shows uneven wear, with exposed wood at the edges and a warm patina. 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 integrates well into wabi-sabi, japandi, and rustic interiors, where it brings warmth and texture. Details. Dimensions: Length 151 cm – Depth 25 cm – Height 29 cm. Style: Painted Chinese. Materials and techniques: Elm wood; iron fittings; red lacquer; mortise and tenon joints; painted decoration. Place of origin: China. Period: Qing dynasty. Date of manufacture: Circa 1900. Condition / Observations: Good. Red lacquer with uneven wear, exposed wood at the edges, and warm patina. Wear consistent with age and use.