Ancestor Painting, Couple in Burgundy and Black 29 x 36cm Raised wing-like carvings at each

Raised wing-like carvings at each end of the extended cabinet top indicate the religious function

Our light elm version shows off the beautiful wood grain

The detail is extraordinary

The sides of the table at the front and back incorporate carved spandrels that taper down to meet the legs

The square bird insignia on the front indicates her husband's civil rank

Ancestor Painting, Couple in Burgundy and Black 29 x 36cm Raised wing-like carvings at eachThis large, colourful painting on canvas is a reproduction based on the ancestor portraits produced in China for centuries as part of the common practice of ancestor worship. Families would honour their ancestors by lighting joss sticks and placing offerings in front of their portraits, which would show either individuals, couples or in some cases several generations. The subjects would normally be shown seated, dressed in their official robes