Antique pine drawer coffee table – China, circa 1900

This antique pine wood coffee table with drawers is a Chinese kang furniture piece featuring four drawers and iron pull rings. It originates from northern China, from the Qing dynasty, where local pine was crafted using mortise and tenon joinery. Tables of this height were placed on the kang, the heated platform that occupied the centre of the home in the northern provinces. Meals were eaten, sleep was taken, and guests were received there. The table provided a work surface and storage at sitting height. The top is made of solid pine, with a sharp edge and added end caps. Four equally sized aligned drawers run underneath. The apron is cut in waves, and the sides rest on bracket feet connected by a pierced stretcher. The surface retains remnants of the original dark lacquer on the open grain of the pine. The drawers show a red lacquered interior, much brighter than the exterior. Wear is concentrated on the top and the edges of the fronts. Its reduced height allows it to serve as a coffee table, occasional bench, or low furniture piece. It fits well in wabi-sabi and japandi interiors, where bare wood brings a sense of calm. Details. Dimensions: Length 158 cm – Depth 35 cm – Height 33 cm. Style: Qing Dynasty. Materials and techniques: Pine wood; wrought iron fittings; mortise and tenon joinery; remnants of original lacquer. Place of origin: China. Period: Qing Dynasty. Date of manufacture: Circa 1900. Condition / Observations: Good. Original patina with remnants of dark lacquer and marked wear on the top. Wear consistent with age and use. This piece is part of the Amaru Antiques collection, Barcelona.