Teochew Gilt Lacquer Panel with Court Scenes

A Teochew gilt lacquer panel worked in two registers and held in its original red lacquer frame. The upper register is carved in deep relief with a court scene, attendants bearing fans approaching a seated figure beneath pavilion eaves, with a kneeling figure presenting an offering. Narrow bands above and below carry gilt floral sprigs painted onto black lacquer. Beneath a moulded rail, the lower register is pierced right through with three cartouches of figures set in scrolling foliage above a key-fret border. The gilding has worn down to the red beneath across the raised faces, hands and robes, which is the wear that handling leaves rather than the condition of a piece made to hang on a wall. The back is plain, unfinished timber and carries the brushed number 01, an assembly mark of the kind used when a large carved structure is put together or taken apart. Panels of this type were made as components of something larger, a bed, a partition, or an altar surround, rather than as standalone decoration. Much of what is sold as Teochew carving has been stripped and regilded to look bright. This one has not been touched, which is why the gold is thin in places and the red shows through. We do not put a date on it. The assembly number, the wear pattern and the unfinished back are all consistent with real age and original use, but we have no documentation and will not guess at a period. Please read the condition notes and see the photographs.

Estimated delivery: SGD 50

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