Pair of Chinese elm benches, c1880
The history of these wonderful benches is written all over them. Made in northern China out of a common local wood, elm, they were lacquered in a dark red. After many years of use and with much of the red rubbed off… the popular color was turquoise. It was the 1930s. Art deco was popular in Europe, so they got a stylish coat of turquoise lacquer. Now, 70 years later, we see where the owners regularly rested their feet on the stretchers and where the colors got worn away from sitting. As it happens, these benches are a perfect size for westerners to use as side tables or put together as a coffee table. And they go well with American primitive furniture.
As you can see, they were constructed using notched and pegged construction. The tops weren’t made for the dry heat we have in today’s homes, so in the winter, the wood shrinks leaving cracks in the top (see photos). The tops are reinforced from below, so it’s basically a cosmetic issue. With more humidity, the cracks will become less obvious. In our shop, people never seem to be bothered by the cracks.
Condition: Good. Very sturdy.
Measurements: The tops are 15.5 inches square. They are 21 inches high.
Price: $730.00
Reference: N0000164
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