Antique Carved Sweetmeat Confection Mold, China (3214A-BKE)

Description

This lacquered confection-mold was likely from Fujian province where  small vernacular furniture, decorative accessories, and functional-and utilitarian items, were made for the new wealthy merchant class of nouveau riche Chinese who dissociated themselves from the imperial court from about 1850-1920. Qing furniture and accessories were more flamboyant than Ming ones and decorated with gold leaf, ornate pierced carvings, lacquer to show off their new wealth and red, the color of fu, and gold which enhances fu especially when accented with areas of black. Wood sweetmeat (tianshin) confection-molds were used to make deserts for religious and secular occasions, especially moon cakes. This exceptionally crafted and elaborate footed one was most likely one of several marriage gifts given by a wealthy family to the newlywed. It has many auspicious symbols.  Wishes for fertility are: paired fish symbolizing marriage fidelity and fecundity, lotus seeds a wish for many sons, and depicting them on vines enhanced the wish for the couple to prosper forever with devotion and produce many sons to continue to the family line. Lotuses on the top and upside-down bats on the sides mean “happiness has arrived” and five bat images symbolize the Five Blessings or Happinesses (fu). Mooncakes were served on round platters called “Trays of Togetherness”  during the August Moon Festival when they are shared with family, friends, and business associates. Although being slightly warped, it is in excellent condition. Kitchen-accessories like make wonderful gifts.