This interesting large size antique carved stand/ case was a puzzle until an expert in restoring valuable old Chinese furniture pieces visited our gallery and told us what it was. He knew because he once restored another similar item like this one. This early Qing brazier stand is a lining case for a bowl containing burning coal. The bowl would have been hung in the middle by four iron linked chains extended from the four corners inside the case. It is a source of heating during the cold winter in ancient China when electricity was not available. In one of the detailed photo, one can see this case has part of one metal loop chain remaining inside and is missing three other metal connecting chains. The supporting frame is made of Yu wood, northern elm, while the carved panels of the frame are made of Chinese walnut hardwood. So, this piece is actually a lining case for a brazier stand. What an unusual carved piece with wonderful Fu-lions on the top at the four corners! Just look at those expressions on the faces of the human-like Fu-lions! They make one smile!

Furniture and one's living space are like twins not separable in both practical and spiritual way for many. On old Chinese furniture pieces, we often see carved auspicious symbols used to bless the people who lived in the house. The Fu-lion is generally a “blessing” and a symbol to "ward off the evil".

Dimensions: 31 1/4"D x 38 7/8" H

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