A single thick plank of elm runs nearly ten feet, rising to a pierced and carved back where six openwork panels, each centered on a small carved rosette, sit beneath a row of scrolled medallions. This antique Chinese elm theater bench was made in Shanxi province in the 18th century to seat an entire row of an audience at once. Benches of this scale were built for opera theaters and teahouses, where carved backs and sturdy plank seats had to hold up to crowds and years of use.
Carved scroll legs end in curled feet, and a scalloped apron with scrolling relief runs beneath the seat. At 114 inches wide, it can span a long wall, run beneath a window or line one side of a dining table. It also works as a long display shelf for books, ceramics and plants.
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Era: 18th century
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Origin: China (Shanxi province)
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Material: Elm
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Size: 113.75"(W) x 19"(D) x 33.5"(H), seat height 21"
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Color: Honey brown elm with weathered gray-brown seat
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Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Age checks and surface wear, with later restoration to the top rails and stretcher.
This 18th century antique Chinese elm theater bench from Shanxi province measures 113.75 inches wide, 19 inches deep and 33.5 inches tall, with a 21 inch seat height. It has a single plank seat, a back of six pierced and carved panels with scroll medallions, and a carved scalloped apron. It works as long seating along a wall, a window or a dining table.
Q: What is a Chinese theater bench?
A: It is a long bench made to seat a row of people at an opera house, teahouse or temple theater. Elm was a common choice because it is dense and strong enough to take years of daily use.
Q: How do you style a very long antique bench?
A: Run it along one wall of a dining room, under a window or down a hallway, where it seats a crowd and leaves the floor open. A single long piece also works as a display shelf for books, pottery and plants.
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