Chinese Temple Bench with Carved Back Panel

Carved bench with a fence of little panels and thick legs ending in lion-like paws.

This temple bench with carved back panel is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is elm wood. Many Chinese antiques are now returning to China through auction houses and foreign dealers, as Chinese buyers actively purchase older pieces back, which the article describes as reclaiming their heritage. Wide seat topped by a rail with five carved panels and small posts. The skirt is decorated with scrolling carving, and heavy legs have carved, claw-like shapes at the knees. A stretcher joins the lower legs. Amber and worn. It is 92 inches long, 19 deep and 34 high.

Sturdy, ornamented and ready for a long conversation.