Antique low elm wood furniture – China, around 1900

This antique low furniture made of elm is a Chinese lacquer piece with central glass doors. It originates from northern China, from the Qing dynasty, when elm was lacquered and painted for domestic furniture. These low and elongated pieces were used close to the ground, near the kang or against the wall, to store and display household items. The reduced height corresponds to a domestic life on mats and platforms. The body is made of solid elm, with mortise and tenon joints, two central framed glass doors, and two side wooden doors. The handles are iron rings. The side doors feature painted bouquets of flowers in pink and green on the lacquer; the central glass doors reveal the interior. The glass, which is uncommon, suggests a display function. The lacquer shows uneven wear, with exposed wood at the edges and a warm patina. The surface appears authentic, without restoration that masks it. Due to its low and elongated proportion, it can be used as a living room piece, a television stand, or a storage console. It fits into wabi-sabi, japandi, and rustic interiors, where it brings warmth and texture. Details. Dimensions: Length 157 cm – Depth 22 cm – Height 32 cm. Style: Painted Chinese. Materials and techniques: Elm wood; glass; iron fittings; lacquer; mortise and tenon joints; painted decoration. Place of origin: China. Period: Qing dynasty. Date of manufacture: Circa 1900. Condition / Observations: Good. Uneven lacquer wear, exposed wood at the edges, and warm patina; original glass. Wear consistent with age and use.