Antique buffet painted in elm wood – China, circa 1930

This antique buffet, painted in elm wood, features three original black lacquer doors with a profiled peripheral frame. It originates from northern China, dating from the end of the Qing dynasty, where elm was crafted using traditional mortise and tenon joinery and finished with natural paint. The black paint on elm is a tradition deeply rooted in northern China during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It served to protect the wood from cold and moisture while giving the furniture a formal presence. Lacquered buffets were reserved for main rooms and ritual spaces, where the contrast between the dark surface and the iron fittings created a serene accent. The body is constructed from solid elm. The top is a continuous board. The front is divided into three identical doors with a peripheral frame and a central reserved top. The handles are handmade wrought iron, with circular rings fixed by rivets. The base rests on straight legs reinforced by low crossbars. The joinery is traditional Chinese mortise and tenon, without screws. Details. Dimensions: Length 208 cm – Depth 45 cm – Height 85 cm. Style: Qing Dynasty. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; wrought iron fittings; traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joinery; aged natural black paint. Place of origin: China. Period: End of the Qing dynasty / Early Republic. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Good. Original black paint with wear revealing the elm in areas of use. Wear consistent with age and use.