Antique buffet painted in elm wood – China, circa 1900

This antique buffet, painted in elm wood, features three doors with panels painted with peonies, chrysanthemums, and Chinese calligraphy. It originates from northern China, from the late Qing dynasty, where solid elm was crafted using traditional mortise and tenon joinery. In the domestic life of northern China, three-door buffets were used to store ritual dishes, textiles, and family belongings. Painting on lacquer was part of the care given to the home: each peony and each ideogram was placed as a wish for prosperity. This typology spread across the northern provinces of China in the 19th century and remained until the early decades of the 20th. The body is constructed from solid elm, a hard and stable wood native to the region. The circular handles are made of hand-forged iron, secured with visible rivets. The joinery is traditional Chinese mortise and tenon, without screws, with the side panels fitted into the vertical posts. The lower rail features a cut profile, and the legs extend straight down to the ground. Details. Dimensions: Length 163 cm – Depth 45 cm – Height 84 cm. Style: Qing Dynasty. Materials and techniques: Solid elm; wrought iron fittings; traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joinery; original polychromy and lacquer with a aged patina. Place of origin: China. Period: Late Qing Dynasty / Early Republic. Date of manufacture: Circa 1930. Condition / Observations: Good. Original patina and paintings preserved. Wear consistent with age and use.