Hand Carved Chinese Antique Panel on the Theme of 100 Antiques

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Chinese wood carvers produced amazing work. These nameless artisans who worked in shops in the cities would be given specific … Read more Chinese wood carvers produced amazing work. These nameless artisans who worked in shops in the cities would be given specific tasks and then there were the itinerant artisans who traveled from one building site to another, custom fitting window panels or door panels. This carving was an insert into a window or a door. Unlike the lattice windows in Southeast China where the parts were attached to the frame by a series of joints, the panels in the provinces in North and Central China were carved out a single piece of wood. To allow airflow, the panel had to be verticulated or openwork, so the artisan planned the design so the openwork parts would form the background. The theme of "100 Antiques" is reflected by the beautiful vase on a stand with cabriole legs and holding peonies. The table nearby is is a collection of roots sculptures and assorted fruits. In between is a smaller vase. The background is "Cracked Ice" lattice design. The theme of "100 Antiques" is related to the literati class (men of letters, meaning educated men,) an ambition of most Chinese parents, wishing their children to earn a degree and a chance to become government administrators, which in turn would bring fame and wealth to their families. The blooming peonies, symbol of beauty and queen of flowers are auspicious emblems that bring luck and riches.

This is one of my favorite panels in the collection, I like the theme of "100 antiques" and I admire the carving which has a three dimensionality. The provenance is North Central China, probably from Shanxi or Henan Provinces and the dating is the first half of 19th century. Need I mention that old wood carvings are not permitted to leave China after 2007. See less