Old pine wood buffet – China, circa 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, long low buffets served as support surfaces next to the kang or bench-buffet in communal areas. Their low height and horizontal format suited the habit of living close to the ground, a custom rooted in northern China. Constructed from solid pine using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without nails. The case features a wide open central compartment and two small side doors with circular iron handles. The sides are made from solid side panels, without protruding feet. The top is a single continuous horizontal plane. Details. Dimensions: Length 154.5 cm – Depth 17 cm – Height 26 cm. Style: Northwest Chinese provincial furniture. 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) Era: Early Republic of China (circa 1930) Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Structure intact. Original patina. Marks and signs of use. Wear consistent with age and use.