Sideboard furniture; China, early 20th century.

Sideboard furniture; China, early twentieth century.
Jumu (elm) wood.
Measurements: 85 x 131 x 49 cm.
This sideboard furniture from China, dating from the early twentieth century, is made of jumu (elm) wood, a material prized for its hardness and distinctive grain. With sober lines and balanced proportions, the piece responds to the rural utilitarian furniture typical of the Chinese artisan tradition, where functionality is combined with a restrained formal elegance.
The front is organized into three upper drawers with metal handles and two lower doors that close with a circular iron bolt, a characteristic element of traditional Chinese furniture, a symbol of balance and harmony. The wide, smooth top surface suggests its use as a support or work area, while the interior served for storage of household utensils or textiles.
The uneven patina and natural wear of the wood are evidence of the passage of time and give the piece a rich, authentic texture, testimony to its long daily use. Overall, this piece exemplifies the rustic and functional aesthetics of early 20th century furniture, where constructive solidity, structural simplicity and respect for natural materials reflect the values of sobriety and permanence typical of Chinese tradition.