Antique Elm Console Table with Iron Hardware from Amaru

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Description

Antique elm console table with iron hardware, China, circa 1900.This piece belongs to the rural furniture tradition of northern China, … Read more Antique elm console table with iron hardware, China, circa 1900.This piece belongs to the rural furniture tradition of northern China, where functionality and structural durability defined design. Originally conceived as a working table or domestic console, it reflects an honest aesthetic tied to everyday life, far from the refined codes of court furniture. Its compact and balanced proportions place it within utilitarian production from the late 19th to early 20th century.Crafted in solid Chinese elm wood, it features traditional joinery visible in both the top and the structure. The front is distinguished by its hand-forged iron hardware with riveted studs, serving both functional and decorative purposes. The upper drawers and shaped apron introduce rhythm and architectural depth.The surface retains an exceptional original patina, with natural wear, tonal variations, and remnants of aged finishes that reflect decades of use. The wood displays shrinkage, marks, and accumulated texture, reinforcing its authenticity and material presence.Today, this console integrates seamlessly into wabi-sabi, japandi, or minimalist interiors, functioning as an entry table, decorative console, or even a bathroom vanity base. Its architectural presence and material honesty make it a versatile and highly characterful piece.
Details
Dimensions: Width: 103 cm Depth: 40 cm Height: 82 cm
Style: Provincial Chinese furniture, Shanxi tradition
Materials and techniques: Elm wood; forged iron; traditional joinery
Place of origin: China (North)
Period: Late 19th – early 20th century
Date of manufacture: Circa 1900
Condition: Good overall condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Original patina preserved with losses of finish, marks, cracks, and oxidation on hardware. See less