mortise and tenon

A mortise and tenon is a type of joint made up of two parts: a tongue-like piece (tenon) that locks into various kinds of secure channels (mortise) adding to the piece’s stability. This technique in China made antique pieces more stable and permanent without using nails or glue and allowed available woods to adapt to Asia’s weather variabilities in temperature and humidity. After long use and weather changes, nailed loosen, so the Chinese substituted tropical woods containing resin and oil like rosewood, sandalwood, ebony, and elm all of which negate the use of glue by denying its adhesive properties. A groove was carved for each frame that offered extra space for the wood to expand and contract during weather changes.

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    Antique Home Altar With Panel of Guanyin on Hǒu, China #19433

    Original price was: $585.00.Current price is: $435.00.
    H: 9” W: 18.5” D: 5.875” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    As a wish for a prosperous and healthy family with many sons, this small table elegant probably was in a young couple’s bedroom to hold small personal statues and store precious items. Guanyin sits a hǒu holding lotuses in the right panel and the left has fertility symbols rats with melons.  It is perfect for creating a personal home altar and a unique wedding gift.

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    Antique Lacquer Cabinet on Carved Stand with Interior Drawer, China (16445LME) $450

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $325.00.
    H: 22 ”    W: 21.5 ”    D: .12.25 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This small elm cabinet is from Fujian province known highly decorative vernacular for the new wealthy merchant class. Vernacular furniture was often red lacquer with auspicious symbols. The left door has a magpie on plum tree branch and the right  a magpie with a chrysanthemum. The magpie is the bird of joy and happiness and the magpie and chrysanthemum mean “May the whole family be happy,” The a plum symbolizes longevity) and when they have 5 leaves are a wish for the Five Joys/Happinesses: health, wealth, longevity, a life of virtue and a peaceful death. These cabinets were perfect gifts for newlyweds as a desire for double happiness, a long and fruitful marriage with sons

     

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    Antique Low Lacquered Wood Table, China #16005LMK

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $375.00.
    H: 5.625″ W: 27.875″ D: 9.75″ | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING

    The low profile and fine lacquered finish of this charming antique wood chest add warmth and a touch of antique fine craftsmanship to any setting. The two intricately carved drawers for storage lend it to a multitude of uses. Carved auspicious symbols to bring the Five Blessings or Happinesses include peonies and vines, butterflies, plum blossom and a Japanese lily. The sides have inset panel with florals and the bottom has a decorative apron with a beautiful fretwork vine design. Its warm patina extends to the detailed brass butterfly handles.

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    Antique Miniature Gilt Cabinet with Side Carving, China #19223BAK

    Original price was: $435.00.Current price is: $375.00.
    Ht: 15.25″   W: 11″   D: 4.875″  |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    Small red and gold decorated and carved cabinets like this were wedding gifts, often by parents, as a wish for the young couple to be fertile and have many sons.  Auspicious symbols here include a peony a metaphor for female beauty and fertility and a willow, like the peony, representing spring – the season of youth, new beginnings, optimism and fertility.

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