Red Elm Square Side Table From Jiangsu – 19th Century

These antique Chinese side tables are made from red elm (jumu) and would have been used as stools or side tables in the 19th century. The style is classic of Jiangsu province, an area that uses predominantly red elm. Red elm (jumu / 榉木), also known as zelkova or ‘southern elm’ is considered a superior wood to yumu, its northern cousin. 

Originally these pieces would have been coated with a burgundy lacquer which has worn away from years of use. They have been sympathetically restored in our Wiltshire workshops and have a beautiful patina.

This could easily be used as a stool or footrest as well as a low table.