Lindenhurst, IL
Details
- Dimensions
- 29ʺW × 10.5ʺD × 17ʺH
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- China
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
Shop Sustainably with Chairish
- Materials
- Pearl
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Design Modified, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Chestnut
- Condition Notes
- This is a well kept piece of antique. It was used as a shrine, perhaps for ancestors' tablets or Buddhist … moreThis is a well kept piece of antique. It was used as a shrine, perhaps for ancestors' tablets or Buddhist statues. The surface has been cleaned, original varnish removed, and a new clear varnish is applied to protect the wood. There is no visible flaws, but it cannot be flawless as a piece of antique. less
- Description
-
This unique antique object is a piece of architecture in miniature - a house with a flat roof and ornated …
more
This unique antique object is a piece of architecture in miniature - a house with a flat roof and ornated with elaborate carvings that carried auspicious meanings. Exquisitely carved parapets surround the roof with bannisters notched with markings that resemble bamboo and topped with small Foo Dog finials. Carved into the verticulated panels are flowers such as dogwoods, lotuses, and magnolias, all auspicious flowers that represent purity and beauty. The frieze is represented by four drawers carved with mythical animals and auspicious birds - Qilins for good luck, and magpies as harbinger of happiness. A pair of doors flanks a large opening, The doors are decorated with carvings of theatrical figures. On one door are actors wearing long pheasant tail headdresses consulting with actors in Chinese civil officials. On the other door are actors in a scene from an opera, easily recognized by its popular appeal to the masses. The open area is decorated with a pair of confronting dragons facing a flaming pearl and supported by two Daoist figures. Underneath is a drawer front with long tailed phoenix birds . The dragon is a symbol of power and emblem of the emperor and the phoenix symbolizes beauty and emblem of the empress. The structure has a lattice design apron and ends with cabriole legs.
Was it a shrine to store ancestor tablets, or did it hold Buddhist statuary for worship? It is hard to determine. But it is a thing of beauty that exhibits Chinese carving at its best. less
Lindenhurst, IL
Questions about the item?
Featured Promoted Listings
Related Collections
- Guillerme et Chambron Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Kingwood Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Silk Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Raffia Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Tommi Parzinger Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Harden Furniture Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- William IV Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Black Chinese Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Venetian Glass Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Art Glass Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Asian Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Ethan Allen Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Japanese Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Early American Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Pantry Storage Cabinets
- Small Storage Cabinets
- Shabby Chic Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Mid-Century Modern Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- French Country Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Industrial Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Art Deco Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Lane Furniture Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Narrow Storage Cabinets
- Chinese Storage Cabinets and Cupboards
- Spanish Storage Cabinets and Cupboards