19th C. Chinese Wood Corbels w/ Celestial Warriors (pr)

China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A pair of wooden corbels, intricately carved with warriors on horseback grasping their swords by the sheath. A banner attendant holds a disc-shaped finial, representing the Buddhist victory banner. The other warrior wears a lingzi helmet with long feathers, marking the wearer as both a skilled combatant and a guardian of cosmic order. The verso reveals the riders' backs, partially obscured by large leaves. These warriors convey controlled energy. By holding their swords sheathed, they symbolize readiness and vigilance, but also restraint and discipline, using force only when necessary. In Confucian thought, a true warrior is not quick to violence but exercises wisdom and self-restraint. Both panels are designed to be viewed from all sides, once serving as ornamental and symbolic protective embellishments on a special building, perhaps extending from under the eaves of a temple roof. They are approximately the same size and form a matching pair. Size: 14.5" L x 4" W x 20.5" H (36.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 52.1 cm)

Provenance: M. Kobiashi collection, 1960-2000

Please note that the wood carving has cracks and some missing parts, but it is overall intact and remains a fine piece of art.

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Correos Express outside the European Union

For buyers in the United States, we ship via UPS Express.


nternational buyers, please note that this item is relatively large, and the shipping cost is approximately €100.

Within the EU, shipping is €50; to the UK, it is approximately €60–70.