Carved Red Lacquer Door Surround with Gilt Figural Panels

A large carved architectural door surround in the Southern Chinese manner, in the Chaozhou tradition of gilt woodcarving. Red lacquer with worn gilt highlights runs across the whole assembly: a pierced openwork arched valance over the opening, carved with deer, birds, pine and scrolling foliage; a frieze of figural and precious objects panels above; and two tall flanking columns of stacked carved panels, with circular warrior on qilin roundels at the base. Surrounds of this kind framed the interior doorways and openings of well to do Chaozhou and Straits Chinese homes, funded through the late Qing and Republican years by overseas Chinese merchant families. This is a complete surround rather than a loose panel, which is far less commonly found intact. It comes apart into its component panels for transport and can be installed around an opening or mounted as a statement wall of carving. The gilt has worn back over long years to the red lacquer ground on the high points, the honest patina of a piece that was genuinely used. At least 80 to 90 years old. Please read the condition notes: this is a real old architectural element with wear, small losses, and old inventory marks to the reverse, offered accordingly.

Estimated delivery: SGD 60

Delivery is arranged islandwide and quoted separately. Full condition notes are provided for every piece.