This antique console table in elm wood features a rectangular top supported by four legs with low stretchers and two small central drawers. It originates from northern China, from the late Qing dynasty, where elm was worked using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery.
In Chinese domestic use, console tables stood against the wall of the main room and served as a support for ritual, as a display table for auspicious objects or as an entrance console. The presence of two small central drawers indicates a mixed function between console and service table. The open structure with low stretchers preserves the classical reading of northern Chinese furniture.
The body is built in solid elm. The top is a continuous board resting on four straight legs reinforced with horizontal stretchers at mid-height. Two small drawers with brass pulls sit at the centre of the front. The flanks show small carved brackets at the meeting of leg and top. The construction is traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon, without metal fasteners.
The patina of the top preserves a warm surface, with visible grain and light use marks. The legs and stretchers show a darker tone, characteristic of elm exposed to ambient humidity. The drawers open smoothly and keep their original pulls.
With contained length and 56 cm depth, this console table suits entrances, living rooms and hallways. It also serves as a light desk, as a console behind a sofa or as an auxiliary dining table. It fits wabi-sabi, japandi, contemporary rustic and Asian-inspired interiors.
Details
- Dimensions: Length 175 cm – Width 56 cm – Height 79 cm
- Style: Qing Dynasty
- Materials and techniques: Solid elm; brass hardware; traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon joinery; low horizontal stretchers.
- Place of origin: China
- Period: Late Qing dynasty
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1900
- Condition: Good. Top with warm patina and light use marks. Wear consistent with age and use.
This piece is part of the curated collection of Amaru Antiques, Barcelona.
ONE OF A KIND PIECE
