Antique low wooden furniture – Chinese low console from Gansu with drawers – circa 1880–1920

Chinese low cabinet made of solid wood, originating from Gansu province, created between the end of the Qing dynasty and the Republican transitional period, circa 1880–1920, as a functional element of domestic furniture in northern China. In this region, daily life was organised around the kang, a heated raised platform that influenced the use of low and horizontal furniture. This type of piece served for storage and as a support surface in a pragmatic domestic environment. The structure combines side compartments with doors, lower drawers, and an open central section, offering a versatile solution in a compact volume. Traditional joinery is visible and prioritises strength and durability. The surface features a rich natural patina, with signs of use and irregularities. The stripping of old paint layers reveals the wood's texture, enhancing an aesthetic related to wabi-sabi and rural simplicity. Today, it integrates as a low console, TV unit, or linear element in contemporary interiors, appreciated for its shallow depth and discreet presence. Details. Dimensions: Width: 153 cm Depth: 18.5 cm Height: 32 cm. Style: Rural furniture from northern China. Materials and techniques: Solid wood; traditional joinery, utilitarian construction. Place of origin: Gansu province, China. Period: End of Qing dynasty / beginning of the Republic. Date of manufacture: Circa 1880–1920. Condition / Observations: Beautiful original patina with signs of use and age-related irregularities. The old paint has been removed to reveal the wood without compromising stability. This piece has been carefully selected as part of the Amaru Antiques collection, Barcelona. UNIQUE PIECE.