Antique Carved Sweetmeat Confection Mold, China (3214A-BKE) $475

Description

This lacquered confection-mold was likely made in Fujian province where small vernacular furniture, decorative accessories and functional utilitarian items were made for the new wealthy merchant class of nouveau riche dissociating themselves from the imperial court about 1850-1920. Qing furniture and accessories were more flamboyant than Ming ones and often decorated with gold leaf, ornate pierced carvings, lacquer to show off their new wealth and painted red, the color of fu,. Gold paint enhanced thems fu especially when accented with areas of black. Wood sweetmeat (tianshin) confection molds were used to make deserts, especially Autumn moon cake,sfor religious and secular occasions. This exceptionally crafted and elaborate footed one was most likely one of many 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 Happiness and the Five Blessings(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 this make wonderful gifts.