Old oak buffet with two doors – China, circa 1950

This antique low sideboard made of solid elm, with two solid doors and a cut apron, is a storage piece from northern China around 1950. It does not retain a manufacturer's label and is described by typology and region. The low sideboard with two doors was part of the essential furniture in rural homes in China, where it housed bedding, crockery, or household tools. Its elongated volume and low height made it a companion piece in the living area, neither a protagonist nor invisible. The frame is assembled using blind mortise and tenon joints, characteristic of traditional Chinese carpentry. The top is made from wide elm boards joined edge to edge. The solid doors pivot on wooden axes and close with original wrought iron rings, set in discreet matching recesses. Details. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; mortise and tenon joints; solid doors with wrought iron rings. Place of origin: China. Period: Mid-20th century. Date of manufacture: Around 1950. Dimensions: Length 144 cm – Depth 40 cm – Height 85 cm. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use.