Ancestor Painting, Grandfather in Yellow Brush beautifully crafted screen is made

beautifully crafted screen is made up of four hinged panels

although the rolled scroll design on the feet was more common in later furniture

According to Chinese tradition cabinets like these would at one time have been presented as part of a bride's wedding dowry

but made slightly larger to be more practical as a modern day coffee table

The drawers are in solid elm wood

Ancestor Painting, Grandfather in Yellow Brush beautifully crafted screen is madeAncestor paintings were used in China as an important part of ancestor worship. It was the duty of the family to honour and commemorate their ancestors, with rituals and offerings a regular and important part of this. Portraits were usually near life size and painted from a front perspective, with the subjects usually seated and wearing robes showing the insignia of their rank and status. Original ancestor paintings are now rare and highly sought