Wall Hanging Square Hardwood Window Panel in Cracked Ice Design

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The cracked ice design is attributed to the Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi (CE 1661 - 1722) who was fascinated by … Read more The cracked ice design is attributed to the Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi (CE 1661 - 1722) who was fascinated by the irregular patterns created on the ice on the lakes surrounding his palace. He liked this cracked ice pattern so much he ordered the design to be painted on porcelain objects. This design is very popular in China. I personally think it is most unusual because the Chinese love of symmetry and this is as far opposed to symmetry as it can get. Still this irregular pattern appears in Chinese architecture, whether on a wall in the interiors of a scholar's study, or as a "peekaboo" window on a Chinese garden wall. I saw such a window in a recent visit to a Suzhou garden, but due to the fractures on my wrists, I was not able to take a good photo.

The window panel is a excellent example of the mastery of Chinese woodworking. Each piece of wood has a special joint that connects to one another and anchored on to the wood frame. The series of joints hold every piece of wood in place and everything remains firm within the window frame.

This particular window is designed by Michael Chung who has a small number custom made by craftsmen in Jiangmen, near Guangzhou in Guangdong Province. The elm wood used here came from reclaimed old pillars and beams. It is one of 8 made. The dimensions are 42inches by 42 inches. See less