Architectural Panel - Sign - Wood





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Wood panel from the late Qing Dynasty (1850–1900), titled Panneau Architectural; carved in high relief and pierced, with red lacquer and gold leaf, dimensions 31 cm by 13 cm by 2.5 cm, origin China, in good condition with age-related wear.
Description from the seller
Furniture Ornament for Courtyard Scenes of Short-Palms
End of the Qing Dynasty (19th century)
China
Carved wood in bas-relief and openwork, red lacquer and gold leaf
31 cm × 13 cm × 2.5 cm
This magnificent rectangular panel presents a complex narrative scene set within a stylized architectural and landscape environment, typical of Qing decorative art. The composition unfolds from left to right through a sequence of interconnected spaces.
Under a tiled roof flanked by a cornice, the main scene gathers three figures. Two men sit on either side of a table, absorbed in a traditional game. A third man stands back, leaning slightly, taking on the role of adviser or arbiter. The architecture is rhythmically punctuated by a pilaster bearing a louvered medallion of the swastika motif (wan), a symbol of eternity and good omens. Divided by a structural pillar, a young woman with two traditional pigtails discreetly observes the scene from an opening pressed against a wall with geometric decoration.
The work testifies to the virtuosity of woodworking workshops at the end of the Qing era, specialized in interior ornamentation or marriage beds (ningbo bed). The sculptural work combines deep relief with complete perforation of the wood, allowing light to pass through the panel and detach the silhouettes from the background lattice. The strong color contrast rests on the traditional red-and-gold technique. The red lacquer serves as a protective and spiritual base, while the applied gold highlights facial expressions, the drapery of court robes (changshan), and architectural details. The reverse side shows a regular lattice designed to stabilize the wooden panel against hygrometric variations.
Generally good condition. Natural patina from use with pleasing wear of the reliefs softened by time. Natural and structural cracks from drying and wood behavior, notably visible on the reverse and slightly traversing some openwork areas, without compromising the piece’s solidity. Small chips and minor losses at the edge and on the extremities of the most projecting draperies.
Base not included.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Furniture Ornament for Courtyard Scenes of Short-Palms
End of the Qing Dynasty (19th century)
China
Carved wood in bas-relief and openwork, red lacquer and gold leaf
31 cm × 13 cm × 2.5 cm
This magnificent rectangular panel presents a complex narrative scene set within a stylized architectural and landscape environment, typical of Qing decorative art. The composition unfolds from left to right through a sequence of interconnected spaces.
Under a tiled roof flanked by a cornice, the main scene gathers three figures. Two men sit on either side of a table, absorbed in a traditional game. A third man stands back, leaning slightly, taking on the role of adviser or arbiter. The architecture is rhythmically punctuated by a pilaster bearing a louvered medallion of the swastika motif (wan), a symbol of eternity and good omens. Divided by a structural pillar, a young woman with two traditional pigtails discreetly observes the scene from an opening pressed against a wall with geometric decoration.
The work testifies to the virtuosity of woodworking workshops at the end of the Qing era, specialized in interior ornamentation or marriage beds (ningbo bed). The sculptural work combines deep relief with complete perforation of the wood, allowing light to pass through the panel and detach the silhouettes from the background lattice. The strong color contrast rests on the traditional red-and-gold technique. The red lacquer serves as a protective and spiritual base, while the applied gold highlights facial expressions, the drapery of court robes (changshan), and architectural details. The reverse side shows a regular lattice designed to stabilize the wooden panel against hygrometric variations.
Generally good condition. Natural patina from use with pleasing wear of the reliefs softened by time. Natural and structural cracks from drying and wood behavior, notably visible on the reverse and slightly traversing some openwork areas, without compromising the piece’s solidity. Small chips and minor losses at the edge and on the extremities of the most projecting draperies.
Base not included.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured

