Antique Carved Bench Chest in Fir Wood, China, 1930

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This antique carved low sideboard in fir wood features a front with five panels carved with floral motifs and continuous … Read more This antique carved low sideboard in fir wood features a front with five panels carved with floral motifs and continuous borders along its upper and lower edges. It originates from northwestern China, from the late Qing dynasty. At 220 cm long and 65 cm high, it sits between a low chest and a storage bench.In rural houses along the Hexi corridor, low sideboard with carved fronts served as seats and as deposits at the foot of the kang. The 65 cm height makes them suitable both for sitting and for resting trays and household items. The double function — bench and storage chest — is real and observable in the regional typology.The body is built in solid fir. The front is divided into five recessed square panels with vegetal carvings inside (rosettes and stylised foliate forms). Above and below the panels run carved borders of interlaced leaves. The sides show a plain panel with a perimeter frame. The construction is traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon, without metal fasteners. The top is a continuous board.The carving was made with firm and regular gouge strokes. The patina keeps the blond tone of aged fir, with darkening in the hollows of the relief that brings out the design. The top surface shows natural use marks: small longitudinal cracks and polished areas from handling. The whole has been well preserved. Given its low height and generous length, this bench-chest plays a clear role in contemporary interiors. It serves as a bench at the foot of a bed, as a low console in a living room or as a support in a large hallway. It fits wabi-sabi, contemporary rustic and Asian and Central-Asian inspired projects.Details Dimensions: Length 220 cm – Width 45 cm – Height 65 cm Style: Qing Dynasty Materials and techniques: Solid fir; traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon joinery; flat carving with floral motifs and continuous borders; aged natural finish.Place of origin: China Period: Late Qing dynasty / Early Republic Date of manufacture: Circa 1930 Condition: Good. Carving very well preserved, natural blond patina and soft signs of age. Wear consistent with age and use. See less