Antique elm sideboard 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. Low sideboards in China accompanied the daily lives of rural households: they provided sufficient storage space for textiles, crockery, or tools without overwhelming the room. The case, set on a cut apron, kept the contents away from the dust of the floor. The structure is assembled with blind mortise and tenon joints, with no visible nails, and is closed with flat-joint elm panels. The solid doors pivot on wooden axes and close with original wrought iron rings. A small lower rebate serves as a secondary pull and vent. The patina has reached the light straw tone of elm washed by time, with pronounced grain and slight dark areas that add depth. Small chips on the front and edges softened by use enhance the honest character of the piece. 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 83 cm. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use.