Old pine wood buffet – China, circa 1930

Low buffet, an old piece made of pine, Chinese provincial furniture originating from Gansu, dated around 1930. It comes from Gansu in western China, from the early 20th century, where the local pine was crafted using mortise and tenon joinery without nails. In the living rooms and bedrooms of Gansu homes in the early 20th century, low buffets served for discreet storage and as bases for visual compositions. The contained height allowed for artworks to be hung above without obstruction. Their typology belongs to the provincial tradition of western China. Constructed from solid Gansu pine using traditional joinery without nails. The front is organised into panels or small compartments. The square-section legs complement the height. The ironwork, when present, is original wrought iron. Details. Dimensions: Length 152 cm – Depth 26 cm – Height 37 cm. Style: Chinese provincial furniture. Materials and techniques: Solid Gansu pine, wrought iron; mortise and tenon joinery without nails, front organised into panels or compartments. Place of origin: Gansu, China. Period: Late Qing dynasty / early Republic of China (circa 1930) Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Original patina and paint. Possible marks and signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.