Antique 19th Century Gilt and Gold Leaf Wood Carving of Ornamental Wall Decoration From Swatow - 3 Pieces

Description

This gold leaf and gilt painted wood carving is an indigenous product from what we in the West know as … more This gold leaf and gilt painted wood carving is an indigenous product from what we in the West know as Swatow or properly Shantou, a city by the sea on the southeastern coast of Guangdong Province in South China. Swatow was one of the Treaty Ports granted to Britain after the Treaty of Nanking (Nanjing) in 1842. Since then Swatow flourished as an important trading port on the South China coast.. The prosperity led to construction of luxurious homes and large temples. By tradition, the craftsmen of this area and in the city of Chaozhou were known to skillful in ship building and woodworking. The art of applying gold leaf and gilt painting on wood carving is a tour de force in this area.

The horizontal carving with the two side pieces were done in bird and flower design. Auspicious symbols are all over the woodcarving. In addition, there are gold coins represented by half designs. While in situ, this three part wall decoration would be on a wall. The quality of work indicates it was done at the time of Empeor Guangzu less