Old pine wood buffet – China, c.1930

Low buffet, an old piece made of 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 traditional mortise and tenon joinery without nails, featuring long tabletops. In rural homes of the Hexi corridor in the early 20th century, long low buffets were used as support surfaces next to the kang, as living room furniture, or as bench-buffets in communal areas. Their low height and horizontal format suited the habit of living close to the ground, a common practice in northern China. Constructed from solid pine using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without nails. The case features three central drawers with iron latch handles, an open compartment in the central body, and two side doors that span the full height of the piece. The sides are made from solid side panels, without exposed feet, giving the piece a horizontal continuity. Details. Dimensions: Length 158 cm – Depth 21.5 cm – Height 32 cm. Style: Northwest Chinese provincial furniture. Materials and techniques: Solid pine; mortise and tenon joinery without nails, three central drawers, two side doors, iron latch handles. Place of origin: Gansu (China) Era: Early Republic of China (circa 1930) Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Original patina. Marks, knots, and visible signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.