Red Elm Bench / Coffee Table From Jiangsu - 19th Century Clothing The carved frame is in

The carved frame is in the classic Mughal arch style found in Madhya Pradesh

Originally they would have been lined with paper to provide protection from the wind

the brass fittings have worn so much that 10mm spaces have been added to the hinges

A Japanese woodblock print by Hokusai from his Manga Volume 6 book depicting samurai armour and gloves

Traces of the original lacquer and paintwork still remain on the legs and beading

Red Elm Bench / Coffee Table From Jiangsu - 19th Century Clothing The carved frame is inThis elegant antique Chinese bench perfectly suits a hallway or kitchen. It could even be used as a coffee table. Jiangsu Suzhou furniture like this is considered by many as the most sophisticated of Chinese furniture styles. It is a refined piece of furniture made in the classic Ming style and dates to the 19th century (Qing Dynasty). This bench has developed a wonderful patina over time and is constructed from red elm (jumu ), also known as zelkova