Long antique buffet in elm with two doors – China, circa 1950

This long low buffet made of solid elm, with two solid doors and a small lower drawer, is a domestic piece from northern China around 1950. It does not retain a manufacturer's label and is described by typology and region. Long low buffets were central pieces in rural living rooms in Shanxi: they provided generous storage for bedding, crockery, or household tools, and also served as a surface for jars, books, or lamps. The small lower drawer held everyday small items. The frame is assembled with blind mortise and tenon joints. The top is made from wide elm boards joined flat. The solid doors pivot on wooden axes and close with original forged iron rings, set in discreet matching recesses. Below the doors, a small drawer breaks the line of the apron with its own pull. Details. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; mortise and tenon joints; solid doors with forged iron rings; lower drawer with pull. Place of origin: China. Period: Mid-20th century. Date of manufacture: Circa 1950. Dimensions: Length 151 cm – Depth 40 cm – Height 86 cm. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use.