Antique Chinese chest painted in pine wood – China, circa 1920

Antique Chinese chest painted in pine wood, provincial furniture with reddish paint and inscriptions originating from northern China, dated around 1920. It comes from northern China, from the early 20th century, where local pine was crafted using a construction reinforced with forged iron straps and painted in vermilion with white calligraphic inscriptions. Painted chests with calligraphic inscriptions served a practical function of identification — of the owner, the contents, or the destination — in contexts of transport, collective storage, or trade. The presence of characters on the front allowed the piece to be recognised in warehouses, caravans, and markets. Its functional and testimonial character distinguishes it from purely domestic chests. Constructed from solid pine using a traditional assembly reinforced with forged iron straps on the edges and corners, ensuring transport durability. The rectangular case features a drop lid with a front fastening and side rope handles for transport. The front concentrates the decoration and inscription. Details. Dimensions: Length 73 cm – Depth 43 cm – Height 55 cm. Style: Chinese provincial furniture, painted utility chest. Materials and techniques: Solid pine, vermilion paint, white pigment, fittings and forged iron straps; traditional assembly, front with calligraphic inscription, side rope handles. Place of origin: Northern China. Period: Early Republic of China (circa 1920) Date of manufacture: Circa 1920. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Original paint and calligraphy very worn. Iron straps with natural oxidation. Wear consistent with age and use.