A Chinese Elm Wood Bookcase

A Chinese bookcase made from elm wood and black lacquer, with clear French polish. This type of furniture can easily be mistaken for humble or rustic provincial furniture due to its extremely simple form. It is not. This book cabinet is very finely made from elm wood and well-proportioned. It is most likely an example of "scholar furniture", furniture that was intentionally made in a very austere and unornamented way. The original oxblood finish is mostly gone, revealing beautifully grained and colored wood. The upper and lower shelves are removable. The piece is ideal as a bookcase or display shelf and fits equally well in contemporary or vintage decor.