19th Century Chinese Temple Architectural Corbel Carved Sculpture Pair

Originally commissioned for an important religious temple in China, the impressive large scale wall bracket corbels were notoriously difficult as they had to serve as both highly decorative temple ornaments and structural building elements used to support the weight of a wall.

Hand-crafted in the early 19th century, smilarly styled design, each exceptionally hand carved, sculpted, and painted by highly trained artisans. Profusely carved and decorated, featuring very fine quality high relief work throughout, extensive bas relief, pierced openwork, rich carvings and intricate incised detailing, depicting various Chinese folk religion figures and imagery.

Rising on bespoke handmade stands, consistenting of sturdy rectangular shaped thick plank plinth base embellished with foliate carvings, held upright by turned column single support.

Rich in culture and history, interesting, unusual, highly decorative, whimsical and artistic, sure to add sophisticated elegance, rustic character, color, space, texture and lots of visual interest.

Dimensions, largest (approx):
Each: 32.5″ H, 19″ W, 7.25″ D.

Please note, the objects were sourced and transported both legally and ethically, retaining partial original red wax export seal to top.

Display the three Sanxing, in their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, when the Gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. One panel having two monumental smiling figures with hand painted eyes and tongue, the other fragment depicting four figures, seated and standing, likely Immortals, Gods, Shen deity, and other characters from ancient Chinese mythology and folklore. Both pieces with elaborate lotus and pine tree motif, a powerful symbol of wisdom and longevity.

Sanxing figures are an important part of Asian culture. Statues of these three Gods are still found on the facades of folk religion’s temples, and Asian altars, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan ancestral shrines. The statues bring good lucky, and can be found in nearly every Chinese home and many Chinese-owned shops.

This incredible, eye-catching pair can be setup many different ways, including flanking a door, hall, fireplace, sideboard or chest, as a decorative accent or focal point, placed inside or outside, as a garden ornament, replacing your foo dogs, guardian lions, dragon or mythical beasts and position these guarding the entrance as a stunning entry statement piece or gift idea!