1840s Shanxi Temple Architectural Carving With Tang Dynasty Style Characters

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This Chinese temple architectural carving from the Northern Province of Shanxi was created in the mid-19th century. This large size … Read more This Chinese temple architectural carving from the Northern Province of Shanxi was created in the mid-19th century. This large size wooden corbel is carved through and features a two character scene, magnificently preserved, with some traces of the original colors on it. The woman's clothes and hairstyle are typical of the Tang dynasty, probably as a reference to this great period of Chinese History. She is fanning a bearded man who seems to be a soldier as his sword, helmet and gloves would suggest. Around them, the corbel is adorned with a stylized tree, whose delicate foliage evokes a Ginkgo Biloba, a tree common in China. With great finesse, a Crow is carved on the right. The lower section of this stunning item is decorated with a stylized dragon figure and scrolls, which are typical Chinese motifs. This Chinese corbel would be an unusual decorative item in most homes, and would no doubt be a great conversation starter. This Shanxi temple carving, circa 1840 is raised on a rectangular base. The measurements indicated below include the base. See less