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Large Chinese Carved Gilt Wood Story Panel, "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"

About the Item

An unusually large vintage Chinese carved and pierced gilt wood story panel, early to mid 20th century, Southern China. The intricately carved panel depicts images from "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" (San Guo Yan Yi). A large pavilion inhabited by noble figures centers the scene. Warriors and figures on horseback with their entourages traverse narrow mountainous paths. Smaller pavilions surrounded by willow and pine complete the scene. The tall rectangular story panel of one solid piece of wood, deeply and heavily pierced and carved, lacquered, then richly gilt. Fine thin metal lattices serve as railings and pavilion surrounds. With a wire hanging hook to the back. "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is a 14th century historical fiction that begins ins 184 AD, and chronicles the last decades of the crumbling Han Dynasty, the subsequent civil war, and the eventual reunification under the Western Jin in 280 AD. Story panels such as this were usually commissioned by family associations to bring the history and drama to a mostly illiterate population. They were displayed in large groups, often taking up entire walls or rooms.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Qing (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    early to mid 20th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. In good condition. Some of the metal lattice work bent and warpped, as seen in photos. Possibly re-gilt.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894742132862

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