architectural lintel with figures traveling over land and sea

architectural lintel with figures traveling over land and sea , late 1800s, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Where object was made: China

Material/technique: paint; wood; carving

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 59.69 x 218.44 x 5.71 cm
Object Height/Width/Depth (Height x Width x Depth): 23 1/2 x 86 x 2 1/4 in

Credit line: Gift of Helen Marcy Johnson and Arthur S. Johnson

Accession number: 1981.0233

On display: Loo Gallery

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Label texts

Displacement

This scene, which progresses from right to left, depicts two men traveling by raft. Bats—homophones for “fortune” in Chinese—fly in the clouds overhead. The journey concludes with the two men boating across rough, choppy water. In the distance is a large walled compound, a final resting place of peace and stability. Originally, this lintel would have been placed over a doorway.

Displacement

This scene, which progresses from right to left, depicts two men traveling by raft. Bats—homophones for “fortune” in Chinese —fly in the clouds overhead. The journey concludes with the two men boating across rough, choppy water. In the distance is a large walled compound, a final resting place of peace and stability. Originally, this lintel would have been placed over a doorway.

Nature/Natural

During the late imperial period, homes of the wealthy were often adorned with finely carved wooden architectural fittings. Originally, this lintel would have been placed over a doorway. The scene, which progresses from right to left, depicts a metaphorical journey of two principal figures. One is attired in a red robe, while his companion wears a green one. They begin their journey on a simple raft at the right. Omens populate the colorful landscape that they traverse. Bats-homophones for “fortune”-fly in the clouds above; a banana plant-symbolic of official success-flourishes next to a pavillion in the background. The journey concludes with the two men boating across rough, choppy water. In the distance is a large walled compound, a final resting place of peace and stability.

Exhibition Label:
"Nature/Natural," Feb-2011, Kris Ercums
During the late imperial period, homes of the
wealthy were often adorned with finely carved wooden architectural fittings. Originally, this lintel would have been placed over a doorway. The scene, which progresses from right to left, depicts a metaphorical journey of two principal figures. One is attired in a red robe, while his companion wears a green one. They begin their journey on a simple raft at the right. Omens populate the colorful landscape that they traverse. Bats-homophones for “fortune”-fly in the clouds above; a banana plant-symbolic of official success-flourishes next to a pavillion in the background. The journey concludes with the two men boating across rough, choppy water. In the distance is a large walled compound, a final resting place of peace and stability.