Item Report
Late Qing Dynasty Giltwood Carved Dragon Inscription Plaque
清代晚期鎏金木雕龙纹匾额
By: Unknown (possibly a local guild or group of artisans, as often the case in such honorific plaques)
Style: Qing Dynasty Honorific/Commemorative Plaque
Origin: China
Materials: Gilt wood, carved wood, polychrome lacquer
Age: circa 1875–1908 (Guangxu period, Qing Dynasty)
Condition: Good (visible cracks, age wear and patina, but complete and structurally sound)
Value: $5,000–$12,000 (liquidation auction estimate, depending on condition and provenance)
Maker's Marks / Writing: Main inscription: 望重人里; Side inscription (right): 贺领 ××同治县邑兰祥星生大人翁 谨定; Side inscription (left): 大清光绪年××月吉日; Lower section: Multiple names including 王方、李來小、郭翔、徐銘、徐呼、李書本、王德明等 (donors and commissioners).
Date: 2025-06-09 17:22:35.311512
Description:
This is a large, rectangular Chinese wooden inscribed plaque, richly decorated with a deeply carved gilt frame depicting dragons and foliage, and inscribed with large Chinese calligraphic characters and commemorative script. The main four-character inscription reads '望重人里' (Wàng Zhòng Rén Lǐ), implying 'Great Esteem Among the People'. The surrounding areas include additional inscriptions marking the date as the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, and the names of those who commissioned or dedicated the plaque. The frame features expertly carved dragons (symbolizing power) and other auspicious motifs in heavy gilding. Such plaques were typically presented as honorific gifts to notable persons or businesses. 这是一块中国大型长方形木质匾额，饰以深刻镀金雕刻框，框上有龙纹和植物花叶。正中央为大号书法体“望重人里”，寓意“德高望重”。左右两侧与下方有更多铭文，提及清代光绪年间及捐赠者、敬献者姓名。边框雕工精美，以金漆龙纹为主，寓意权威、吉祥。此类匾额多为褒奖、表彰或赠予功业卓著之人士或机构。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A fine and imposing honorific Qing period plaque, notable for its excellent and deeply carved gilded dragon frame, legible period inscriptions, and overall integrity; these pieces are highly desirable to collectors of Chinese architectural and commemorative art, especially with clear date and dedication. Some cracks and surface wear are visible, consistent with genuine age. 清代大型荣誉匾额，雕工精美，龙纹鎏金边框非常出色，铭文清晰，保存较为完整；带有明确纪年与敬献者信息，对中国建筑与纪念艺术品收藏家极具吸引力。表面可见风化、开裂痕迹，与真实年代吻合。
Individual Images:
- Close-ups show: 1) Intricately carved and gilded dragons with scale and cloud details along the frame
- heavy oxidation and gilding wear indicating genuine age; 2) Left border displays carved flora and small animal (likely bat for fortune); 3) Lower right close-up clearly shows hand-carved dedication and donor names; 4) Overall
- the surface shows genuine age-related wear
- especially patina
- edge nicks
- and expected lines from wood contraction.
Provenance:
No provenance documents provided with images; likely originally commissioned as a local honorific presentation.
Condition:
Good (visible cracks, age wear and patina, but complete and structurally sound)
Identification Score: 98%
The piece is a classic example of a Qing Dynasty honorific dragon plaque: the date inscription, style of carving, manner of gilt application, and typical calligraphic forms are highly characteristic and well-documented. 此件为清代荣誉龙纹匾额的典型例证：有明确纪年，雕刻风格、鎏金工艺、书法形式均高度吻合史料记载。
Authenticity Score: 90%
Surface patina, wood oxidation, and period-appropriate tool marks are evident; presence of cracks and wear further support period authenticity. The inscriptions reference Guangxu reign, which fits stylistically, though similar works are sometimes reproduced. No obvious signs of modern forgery. 表面包浆、木材氧化及相应年代的刀痕都与清晚期工艺相符；裂纹和磨损进一步支持为原件。铭文提及光绪年间，风格吻合。当代赝品多见，但本件未见伪作痕迹。
Image Memory Note
Keywords
Qing Dynasty, Guangxu, honorific plaque, carved wood, gilt, dragon, inscription, China, architectural art, Chinese antiques 清代，光绪，荣誉匾额，木雕，鎏金，龙纹，铭文，中国，建筑艺术，中国古董
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