**Originally Listed At $4500**

East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 14th to 17th century CE. An incredible architectural panel carved with an intricate scene of immortals, dragons, and foo lions. The rectangular panel is split into 3 registers with an openwork center - possibly for use as a window screen, and the surface has good remains of painted pigments in recessed areas. The motifs are auspicious, symbols of good luck and fortune. Dragons have traditionally been associated with power over rainfall, water, floods, and typhoons, and as signs of physical and spiritual protection! The "foo dog" is a western name for the Chinese "shi shi", the guardian lions that protected sacred buildings against evil spirits or people. Immortals are considered a symbol of prosperity and longevity- and like the mythical creatures, these men also acted as spiritual guardians and ensured that prosperity found its way inside the building! Size: 25.5" L x 5" W x 41.5" H (64.8 cm x 12.7 cm x 105.4 cm)

During the Ming Dynasty doors and windows were arguably the most significant parts of buildings for both functional and aesthetic / symbolic purposes. Like this example - with auspicious figures and mythical creatures - the motifs often reflected the desire and hope for a better life or future.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960-2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#173426

Softening to finer details, but motifs are clear. Losses to high pointed areas on foo dogs along lower edge. Remains of painted pigments and overall great condition!