Old carved pine wood buffet – Gansu, around 1900

This antique low buffet carved from fir wood is a large Chinese piece with a relief-carved façade and three doors. It originates from Gansu, in north-west China, from the Qing dynasty, where mountain fir was carved with a chisel on solid boards. Gansu occupies the Hexi corridor, a natural passage of the Silk Road between the Chinese plateau and Central Asia. The geometric repertoire of its domestic furniture is influenced by this transit: the lattice, the quatrefoil, and the Greek key are forms shared with Islamic ornamentation from the western cities. The case is made of solid fir, assembled with mortise and tenon joints. The thick top overhangs at the sides. Three panelled doors open to an interior with a full-width shelf, and the back is closed with vertical boards. The façade is entirely covered with relief carving. Six panels alternate between diamond lattice quatrefoils, radiating palmettes inscribed in circles, and lobed networks. A frieze of quatrefoils runs along the upper part, and the plinth features a Greek key meander, the Chinese Greek key or huiwen, symbolising uninterrupted continuity. The entire piece is executed without polychromy: the relief works only with light. The fir remains bare, in a light honey tone, with the carving softened by use. The top retains tool marks, open knots, and an uneven tone. The lack of finish brings the material to the forefront. Details. Dimensions: Length 265 cm – Depth 48 cm – Height 77 cm. Style: Carved Chinese. Materials and techniques: Fir wood; mortise and tenon assembly; relief carving. Place of origin: China, Gansu. Period: Qing dynasty. Date of manufacture: Good. Bare wood, carving softened by use, and tool marks on the top. Wear consistent with age and use.