Writing table; China, second half of the 19th century.

Writing table; China, second half of the nineteenth century.
Jumu (elm) wood.
Measurements: 83 x 144 x 78 cm.
English style desk that stands out for its sober lines and balanced proportions. It is a representative piece of Chinese furniture from the beginning of the 20th century, a time when traditional forms were adapted to new functions and lifestyles.
The piece of furniture is composed of a solid structure with a double body of side drawers and a series of three upper drawers that run along the entire front.
The elm wood shows a warm tone and a natural grain that the craftsman has respected, limiting himself to a varnish or wax finish that enhances its texture. Discreet moldings frame the side and front panels, adding depth without breaking the overall harmony.
Ring-shaped metal hardware with decorative plates adds a touch of contrast and sobriety, without detracting from the wood. These elements, of traditional inspiration, evoke the classic Chinese taste for symmetry and simplicity, but applied here in a piece with a clearly practical vocation.