Commissioned during the Qing Dynasty in the winter of 1856, this monumental marriage signboard (Bian’e) celebrates the union of scholarship, family, and enduring virtue. Carved from a massive single slab of Northern Chinese elm, its gilded inscription, 「鴻案生輝」 (“May the auspicious table shine with brilliant light”), expresses a heartfelt blessing for lifelong harmony, drawing inspiration from a celebrated Han Dynasty story of mutual devotion and respect between husband and wife. The surrounding inscriptions record both its precise date and its distinguished recipient, Mr. Wang of the Imperial Academy, while painted images of scholarly books and scrolls honor his academic achievements. Created to hang above a grand entrance, this remarkable architectural panel embodies the highest ideals of Qing Dynasty family life, education, and marital prosperity.
Middle Column: “May the auspicious table shine with brilliant light.”
Right Side: “Crafted on an auspicious, excellent day in the 11th lunar month of the 6th year of the Xianfeng Emperor’s reign, Great Qing Dynasty.”
Left Side: “Presented on the occasion of the wedding celebration for the honorable elder Mr. Wang, Scholar of the Imperial Academy.”
$4,000.00
| Dimensions | 51 × 2 × 24 in |
|---|---|
| Country | China |
| Material | Elmwood |
| Age | 170 Years |
| Vendor | Guyi, Shanghai, China |
