Decorative ornament - China - Chinese polychromed

Beautiful Chinese gilded and polychrome wooden relief panel with figures (circa 1900)
This finely detailed and openwork Chinese camphorwood wall panel dates from the end of the Qing Dynasty to the early Republic period (circa 1900). The panel depicts a classical narrative scene of a wise scholar with a long beard and a fan, surrounded by three followers in a traditional landscape with pine trees and rocks. The carving is masterfully deeply raised relief (haut-relief), partly openworked and finished with gold leaf and black painting on the hair and faces. This type of artisanal woodcarving was originally used as a decorative element in traditional Chinese furniture or temple architecture. With its compact dimensions of 18 x 12 x 4 centimeters and a weight of 275 grams, the piece is in good, original condition with a lovely patina of age. It shows light wear to the gilding and a natural hairline crack at the bottom, which is entirely in keeping with the age and underscores the authenticity of the object. A atmospheric and characterful collectible for lovers of Asian art, carefully packed and shipped by insured mail with track & trace.