FINE ANTIQUE CHINESE GILDED AND LACQUERED ELM WOOD ALTAR CABINET 19TH C

Description

GJPaw
Auctions is pleased to offer a rare and fine Chinese Qing dynasty antique lacquered and gilded Altar Cabinet. "The Chinese have always been interested in their past - worship of ancestors is worship of origins." (Heinz 1999:225). Ancestor worship is very important in China, because the Chinese believe that their ancestors take an active part in the lives of the living. After a family member's funeral, Chinese families set up a
home altar
for the purpose of ancestor worship. The altar normally includes a portrait or photograph of the ancestor, a commemorative plaque and cups for offerings. Offerings of food, wine, and small sums of money, are placed on the altar in bowls or burned in front of the altar. Other "necessities" for the afterlife are also placed on or near the altar. Altars are usually taken down after 49 days, the period during which the deceased is believed to be undergoing judgment. This belief is influenced by the Mahayana Buddhist idea of the Bardo, an intermediate period between death and rebirth. After the 49-day period, the deceased is worshipped along with all the other ancestors of the family. This extraordinarily beautiful vernacular gilded and lacquered elm wood altar features stunningly carved relief sculpture, exquisitely decorated with fauna and foliate motifs, together with symbolism related to scholar paraphernalia. The altar measures approximately 34 inches in width by 22 inches in depth by 45.5 inches in height (86.3 cm by 55.8 cm by 115.5 cm). It is in very good used condition, with wear showing age consistent with the mid-19th century, including a wonderful age-worn patina. Importantly, it is an intact, original piece. It has a fine provenance coming from an important U.S. mid-west collection. This is a rare and beautiful piece, excellent for today’s décor, and a unique opportunity for a collector of fine antique furniture to adorn either an office or home, while savoring the culture, traditions and lifestyle of Chinese civilization.
Additional images are available by request, and can usually be provided within 1 business day.
Standard international freight shipping is NOT included for this item.
Please inquire for freight quote, which will include custom crating and packaging, and International freight to your closest port, business or residential address. Additional shipping options, such as freight forwarding or white glove service can be added upon request.
GJPaw
Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the Globe at
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