**Originally Listed At $2250**

*This item is oversized and requires special shipping*

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a wonderful pair of carved wooden corbels featuring immortal figures known as Luohan seated under trees with auspicious symbolism of wealth and longevity. The first is a Luohan sitting under a pear tree with several large fruits and intricate twisting branches and leaves. He strokes his beard as if in deep contemplation and is dressed in scholarly robes and headdress. The other corbel has a similar twisting tree with foliage and rounded peach fruit- and another Luohan - in his hand is a boat shaped ingot known as a sycee or yuanbao, a precious silver or gold currency piece used in imperial China. To his side is a fu bat with its wings outstretched over cash coins with square holes. Both corbels are large and sturdy, with a lustrous patina throughout. Size: 8" L x 13" W x 27" H (20.3 cm x 33 cm x 68.6 cm)

The fu bat is an auspicious symbol of fertility, the peach symbolizes longevity, and pear trees are also a symbol of fortune and immortality. Immortals, also known as Arhats or Luohan, were the disciples of the Buddha, with supernatural powers and great wisdom. Depictions of Luohans and wealth in art and especially architecture encourage prosperity to enter the buildings.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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#168902

Repairs to the pear tree corbel, with adhesive infill to stabilize a crack. Repairs are nearly indiscernible. Loss to the ingot by man's foot on other corbel. Old inactive insect bore holes, and stable pressure fissures throughout both. Nicks and chips to high pointed areas, but overall excellent preservation and lustrous patina.