Gilded Wooden Opening Frame. China, Qing Dynasty. 18th Century.

Gilded wooden frame on a red lacquered background. The gold was applied either with leaf or powder. The golds are of 2 shades, one yellow, the other silver. Carved decoration representing two boys carrying as offerings a bowl and a lotus flower, on a background carved with flowers, fruit, birds and bats, in the center a fan, the frame is certainly Chinese; Japanese folding fans were very appreciated at the Qing court. The use of 2 golds, the quality of the sculptures, the subject of children which is very rare and the antiquity, make this woodwork an exceptional frame which stands out from all those which can be seen on the market in large numbers and which are essentially Vietnamese or from the 19th century. The fine cracks which can be observed, notably on the faces, are due to the effects of retraction between wood and lacquer and are guarantees of great antiquity. The symbolism has escaped us, is it a wish for marriage to numerous male children? Or is it a proclamation of filial love? Good condition, small losses and wear (see photos). Fortunately never restored. 184x80cm