Old pine wood buffet – China, circa 1930

Low buffet, old pine wood, traditional Chinese furniture from Gansu, dated around 1930. Originating from Gansu in north-west China, from the early 20th century, where local pine was crafted using mortise and tenon joinery without nails, featuring long tabletops. In rural homes of the Hexi corridor, narrow low buffets served as support surfaces next to the kang and bench-buffets in the main room. Their reduced height suited the habit of living close to the ground, common in northern China. Constructed from solid pine using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without nails. The case features an open central compartment and two small side doors with circular iron handles. The sides are made from solid side panels, without exposed feet. The top surface is a continuous horizontal plane. Details. Dimensions: Length 156 cm – Depth 19 cm – Height 26 cm. Style: Provincial Chinese furniture from the north-west. Materials and techniques: Solid pine; mortise and tenon joinery without nails, two side doors, open central compartment, circular iron handles. Place of origin: Gansu (China) Period: Early Republic of China (circa 1930) Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Sound structure. Original patina. Marks and signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.