4 Chinese Polychrome Wooden Architectural Posts (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 222)

$321.25

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A set of four carved wooden architectural posts, each surmounted by a lotus-form finial and decorated with relief-carved floral, auspicious characters, bird, and fruit motifs in bright polychrome hues. The thick cylindrical bases are cut with long rectangular openings and smaller square apertures designed to receive wooden beams, indicating use as structural supports such as newel posts for stair railings or balcony balustrades. The elaborate lotus finials suggest placement at or just below eye level where the decorative carving would be fully visible. Size: 7″ W x 19″ H (17.8 cm x 48.3 cm)

Provenance: private Rogers, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Bosio collection, Miami, Florida, USA, 1960-2000

Condition: Stable pressure fissures throughout. Exposure to elements with fading and losses to pigments. Chips and abrasions throughout as shown. Losses to the base of the pair with auspicious character symbol. Pigments have probably been repainted several times over the years. Good stable conditions.