Chinese Ceramic Architectural Sign

Seven small blue and white medallions on a long, weathered board.

This architectural sign was made in China in the 19th century from wood, with porcelain and iron fittings. Boards of this proportion were commonly hung vertically on shop fronts or gateways, carrying characters or emblems to announce a trade or a name. Here seven porcelain ornaments in blue and white run down the face in a single column, each in a different shape. Two iron hooks at the top allow hanging. The painted wood has faded to a chalky sage green with scuffs, cracks and a mellow dryness.

About 71 inches tall and 14 inches wide. A hallway with this in it needs nothing else.