Chinese Sign Encouraging Good Attitude, Honesty & Virtue

Four lines of gold characters on black, meant to be read from top to bottom.

Chinese craftsmen made this tall wooden sign in elm in the 19th century. The title describes it as an encouragement toward good attitude, honesty and virtue, and boards carrying inscribed sayings were commonly hung as vertical couplets in homes and halls. The long, narrow plank is painted black, with columns of raised gilt characters running down its face. The gold shows some wear on the high points. We have not translated the inscription.

About 88 inches tall and 10 inches wide. A strong vertical line for a narrow wall, or beside a door.