Antique pine console with multi-layer patina – China, circa 1930

This antique solid pine console features a front drawer with sculpted panels and a pierced lower frieze. The surface retains a unique multilayer patina: a dark outer layer revealing the original red cinnabar underneath. China, circa 1930. In rural homes in northern China, medium-height consoles were placed in the vestibule or flanked the kang in the living room. They served as a support surface and, at times, as an offering table for incense. Pine — an abundant wood in Shanxi — was the usual material outside of courtly contexts. The construction is solid and honest: the top is made of two wide boards with moulded edges, a front drawer with hollowed panels, a pierced frieze with arrow and line motifs, decorative corner brackets, and square legs with a slight curve at the base. The joints are mortise and tenon, without nails. Details. Materials and techniques: Solid pine; multilayer patina with original red cinnabar; mortise and tenon joints. Place of origin: China. Period: Late Qing tradition. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Dimensions: Length 99 cm × Depth 40 cm × Height 82 cm. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Original patina.