Painted Chinese Opera Chest From Shanxi - Ca 1900 Dog Gates This fabulous Tibetan Leopard Panel

This fabulous Tibetan Leopard Panel was a door - It would make a very striking piece of wall art - Circa 90 years Old

Cast over a mould of clay and wax

Chests were important in Chinese culture as they had very few cupboards for storage

Made in Rajasthan by very skilled artisans these are made in very small quantities

Specification

Painted Chinese Opera Chest From Shanxi - Ca 1900 Dog Gates This fabulous Tibetan Leopard PanelThis vintage painted Chinese trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Chests of this style are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be crafted into furniture and given as part of a bride's dowry symbolising hope