19th Century Chinese Carved Wood Door Lintel Framed in Shadow Box

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A Chinese carved wood door lintel presented in a deep shadow frame circa late Qing dynasty (late 19th century). The … Read more A Chinese carved wood door lintel presented in a deep shadow frame circa late Qing dynasty (late 19th century). The piece features a long panel with intricate openwork carving in a tri-partition vignettes, depicting multiple figures in the background of architectural and garden elements. Close inspection reveals great details of these figures and their symbolic meaning. All donning official hats, berobed and holding a long plaque on their hands (known as Hu in Chinese, serving as notepad when reporting to the king), these figures represent important officials in the court, worldly but often the heavenly realm (courts ruled by the gods). Either way, they symbolize an important official career. As serving the court was the emphasis and ultimate goal for the educated class in traditional Confucius Chinese society. The lateral poles at either end of the panel were carved with a boy holding a lotus leaf. He might be Lan Caihe, one of the eight immortal fairies in Chinese folklore.
The carving indicates a good wish for the offsprings to have an illustrious career. As the door lintel overhead, it posed another layer of symbolic blessing for anyone passing under. Based on the quality, it belonged to a wealthy and official household.
The panel itself is about 9 5/8" x 41 3/8". See less