Ancient Chinese relief carvings

[bigEd_H]

I have a very good friend who taught English at Qingdao University in China for several years. Last year was his and his wife's last year teaching there. They decided to come back to watch the grandkids grow up. They fell in love with the young people who they taught and also fell in love with the culture there. They brought back many items they found there including many ancient carvings. They even shipped home an ancient gate they have now in front of their house.

To make a long boring story short, this friend gave me two 200 year old door panels that had been carved during the Ching dynasty. They portray scenes from the Royal Beijing Opera. The varnish has been crystallized and the gilding is tarnished and missing in places.

I just thought I'd share these with you.

[teeburn]

WOW, what great friends you have Ed those are beautiful!

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Geez...and here I thought "Ancient Chinese relief" was "take two aspirins and call me in the morning!"

[scooter]

An awesome gift. One to treasure...

S~

[bigEd_H]

They are much more interesting in person. The detail is amazing considering they used what we now consider crude tools. The wood feels very fragile, being very light for the size. I figure that is because they are probably very dry. I plan on putting them up for display, but haven't yet decided how to do so.

[Dan Wegiel]

Ed, those are beautiful pieces from some very good friends. Wife & I are both into antiques, in fact we're both antiques, thanks for sharing these wonderful pieces from the past.

Dan

[Donsexton]

Very cool Biged thank you for posting if I were a rich man I would be a collector.

[Keoma]

OH my they are wonderful! Thank you for sharing! What talent! I lovethem! You have great friends

[Sharon of the Dell]

Ed, those are awesome! What great friends you are blessed with! Whats the dimensions on them?

[Anthony Filetti]

Very nice Ed!! I am sure they look even better in person.