**Originally Listed At $550**

East Asia, China, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A finely carved openwork wooden tabletop ancestral tablet comprised of curved/convex sinuous border panels that were painstakingly carved with what appear to be dragons and phoenixes flying amidst either clouds, plumes of smoke, or leafy/floral magnolia tendrils. The central panel is recessed and presents an inscription which traditionally includes the posthumous name of the deceased person as well as the date of death in bas relief. Finally, a suspension bar/handle with a single perforation protrudes from one end. All is finished in a reddish brown lacquer with tinges of sage green strategically highlighting certain areas. Size: 31.5" W x 16.5" H (80 cm x 41.9 cm)

The dragon and the phoenix are two of the most important symbols in Chinese art and literature, often appearing together. In legend, the phoenix is the most beautiful of all birds, called the feng huang, and the etymology of the name is derived from "emperor". The phoenix will only appear in times of prosperity and peace, second only in the supernatural creatures of the Chinese pantheon to the dragon. The dragon, meanwhile, is symbolic of change, strength, and goodness, and the emblem of the power of the emperor.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Hawaii, USA collection

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#131979

Minor surface wear and age cracks. Some repair and loss to dragon applique at one end. Generally very good.