Chinese Wood Commemorative Sign

Bats in the corners, on purpose. In China that means good luck.

This commemorative sign comes from China and dates to the 19th century, in carved wood. Boards like it were given to mark an honor, an anniversary or a family's standing, then hung in a hall where visitors could not fail to read them. Four large characters rise from the plain grained panel, flanked by columns of smaller inscription. A key-fret border runs all the way around, with carved bats at the corners and traces of gold in the recesses. 70 inches wide and 34.5 high.

Praise is easier to believe when it takes two people to lift.