A HUANGHUALI AND HONGMU TRAVELLING SHRINE, SHEN CHU

18TH/19TH CENTURY

Details

A HUANGHUALI AND HONGMU TRAVELLING SHRINE, SHEN CHU
18th/19th century
Of upright rectangular shape, the hongmu cover decorated on one side with a raised circular medallion carved and pierced with a pair of dragons surrounding a shou character, lifting to reveal the traditional architectural form altar in huanghuali surmounted by an arched ribbed roof with cloud molded end tiles above two curved pierced doors, the side walls with begonia-shaped windows, set on an integral base carved with a central shou character and chi dragon heads
altar and cover 14¼in. (36.2cm.) high, 6 3/8in. (16.2cm.) wide, 5 3/8in. (13.5cm.) deep
altar alone 13 5/8in. (36.2cm.) high, 6 3/8in. (16.2cm.) wide, 5in. (13.5cm.) deep

Lot Essay

The household shrine was a central piece of furniture in a traditional Chinese home, and an essential part of family life. The present lot is a smaller example and may have been used for travelling. See a larger elm wood household shrine of Shanxi manufacture, with a similar curved roof, illustrated by C. Evarts, C.L. Ma Collection: Traditional Chinese Furniture from the Greater Shanxi Region, Hong Kong, 1999, pp. 272-273, no. 148.

More from THE GANGOLF GEIS COLLECTION OF FINE CHINESE FURNITURE

View All