Mid-19th Century Chinese Calligraphy Sign Board

The wood carved signboard showcases large carved Chinese characters with remnants of gold leaf, flanked with columns of smaller carved characters. In original and untouched condition with a beautiful, decorative patina.
The sign was a birthday gift given to an elderly woman, to celebrate her long life. The group of names on the left side and at the bottom are the group of people who gave this gift. The elderly’s name is on the right hand side. Fitted with two two fine characteristic Chinese metal buckleson allowing it to be hung on a wall.
China 1930-1850.

Calligraphy, literally “beautiful writing,” has been appreciated as an art form in many different cultures throughout the world, but the stature of calligraphy in Chinese culture is unmatched. In China calligraphy was considered not just a form of decorative art; rather, it was viewed as the supreme visual art form, was more valued than painting and sculpture, and ranked alongside poetry as a means of self-expression and cultivation.