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Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is the purpose of the corbel?

1 Answer
What is the purpose of the corbel?
A corbel is a bracket that is designed to support an overhang. Typically it’s used in architecture to support a roof that sticks out beyond the outer walls of the building. Many corbels today are simply decorative, but they were originally designed to support weight. Shop a collection of corbels from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Shop for Chinese Corbels on 1stDibs
19th-C. Monumental Chinese Carved Food Dog Corbels / Architectural Fragments, 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Wow! This is a pair or set of monumental Chinese corbels with heavily carved hanging food dogs and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Architectural Elements

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Qing Dynasty Hand-Carved Wooden Temple Corbels with Deer Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty hand-carved wooden temple corbels from the 18th or 19th century with
Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Temple Architectural Corbel Carved Sculpture Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A majestic pair of antique architectural salvaged Chinese temple corbels, now mounted as one-of-a
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood, Paint

Antique Chinese Hand Carved Temple Corbel with Original Red Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese hand carved wooden temple corbel from the 19th century, with characters, pagodas
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hand-Carved Temple Corbels with Characters
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of 19th century Chinese hand-carved temple corbels featuring stylized characters. Each
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Chinese Qing Dynasty Hand-Carved Wooden Temple Corbel with Detailed Figures
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period hand-carved wooden temple corbel from the 19th century with detailed
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

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