Een Chinese houten altaarkast ('jia tang gui') met opengewerkte uiteinden, Guangdong/Fujian, late Qing/Republiek

H 103,5 - L 150 - D 58,5 cm

Traditional Chinese altar cabinets (‘jia tang gui’) were used to place ancestral tablets, to store ritual objects and to burn incense and offerings. The sides (rolled-up ends) reference the aesthetic and refined design of Ming tableware and furniture inspired by temple furnishings. The central double doors with large circular lock fittings are classic for Chinese cabinets and ark furniture. The carved open-worked fretwork panels feature stylised lotus or cloud motifs with bat (福) or shou (寿) symbolism, indicating an origin in the southern provinces, where wood carving is richer and furniture has a dark patina.