Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries

I inherited this wood carving from an old aquaintance who spent the last several years of his life living in Shanghai. I am intrigued to know anything about its possible origin, etc.
It is framed behind glass (hence the poor quality of my photo) and measures 185mm x 155mm.

This looks like one of the carved inserts of some window, wall or bed front panel.

Thanks for that peterp. Is there any significance in the actual picture? Is it likely to have any significant money value? I am intrigued because of the gold painted on the picture.

Hello Paul,

Lacquered carved and gilded panels like this one often get classed with temple art, but those without any obvious religious iconography may have decorated an article such as a box, chest or door in addition to what Peter has mentioned.

Carved altar installations in Chinese temples might consist of hundreds or thousands of individually carved components, often with elaborate openwork, all joined together like a jigsaw puzzle. Every so many years, after dust and residues from incense smoke take their toll, the temple caretakers disassemble the structure for refurbishing.

Here's another example with a different motif which like yours probably dates to around the end of the 19th or early 20th century. Some of what you find on the tourist market these days consists of late 20th century or subsequent molded gilt panels with die-cut metal embellishments instead of handiwork.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |