This antique round low table in elm wood features a single-piece circular top supported by four turned cylindrical legs reinforced with crossed horizontal stretchers. It originates from northern China, from the late Qing dynasty, where elm was worked using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery.
Chinese round low tables belonged to the vernacular domestic furniture of the north. They were used as a service table beside the heated kang, an auxiliary rural kitchen table or a central decorative piece in simple rooms. The open structure with turned cylindrical legs and low crossed stretchers belongs to the more sober register of Chinese furniture — expression rests entirely on the worked wood.
The top is made of a single piece of elm, cut to a circular shape and polished by use. The four cylindrical legs are hand-turned and continue square to the floor. Two horizontal stretchers crossed at mid-height stiffen the structure. The joinery is traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon, without metal fasteners.
The top patina keeps a warm brown tone with the natural figure of elm visible. The top surface shows natural longitudinal cracks — typical of solid elm exposed to continuous use — that add character without compromising structural integrity. The legs present light traces of green paint at the base, remains from an earlier use.
With its compact round shape — 65 cm diameter — and 50 cm height, this low table works as a coffee table, an auxiliary side table, a stool-table or a low central decorative piece. It suits wabi-sabi, japandi, contemporary rustic and Asian-inspired interiors.
Details
- Dimensions: Length 65 cm – Width 65 cm – Height 50 cm
- Style: Qing Dynasty
- Materials and techniques: Single-piece elm top; turned cylindrical elm legs; low horizontal stretchers; mortise-and-tenon joinery without metal fasteners.
- Place of origin: China
- Period: Late Qing dynasty / Early Republic
- Date of manufacture: Circa 1930
- Condition: Good. Single-piece elm top with natural cracks and warm brown patina. Wear consistent with age and use.
This piece is part of the curated collection of Amaru Antiques, Barcelona.
ONE OF A KIND PIECE
