Antique elm wood sideboard – China, circa 1930

This antique elm wood sideboard features three aligned upper drawers and three lower doors with a raised central panel. It originates from eastern China, dating from the end of the Qing dynasty, where elm was crafted using traditional mortise and tenon joinery. In the domestic furniture of eastern China, sideboards combined a row of drawers for small items and lower doors for larger pieces—dinnerware, linens, folded textiles. The clear separation between the drawer section and the door section belongs to the logic of traditional Chinese organisation. The piece is designed for a main hall or a ritual dining room. The body is constructed from solid elm. The top surface is a continuous board that slightly overhangs the sides. Below it, three long drawers with small circular wrought iron handles. Underneath, three identical doors with a peripheral frame and a raised central panel. The sides feature framed panels and rest on straight legs. The joinery is traditional Chinese mortise and tenon, without screws. Details. Dimensions: Length 219 cm – Depth 48 cm – Height 96 cm. Style: Qing Dynasty. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; wrought iron fittings; traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joinery; three upper drawers and three lower doors. Place of origin: China. Period: End of the Qing dynasty / Early Republic. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Good. Light blonde patina with the natural grain of the elm visible. Wear consistent with age and use.