This monumental and incredibly complex hand-carved Oriental sculpture depicts an elaborate imperial court audience. At the center, an Emperor sits enthroned upon a highly detailed, high-backed dragon throne while holding a ceremonial tablet. He is flanked by two elegant court ladies holding tall ceremonial standards with intricate openwork fans, and is accompanied by standing court officials and armored guardians positioned along the balustraded pavilion platform.

In the foreground, a figure kneels in reverence before the steps amidst a dramatic, deeply undercut swirl of stylized clouds. A detailed tripod incense burner rests on one side of the terrace steps. The entire architectural scene and its numerous independent figures are set upon a multi-tiered, custom-carved dark wood base decorated with scrolling cloud-motif feet.

Specifications

• Origin: China

• Period: Mid-to-late 20th Century

• Material: Hand-carved material, wood

• Overall Dimensions: 23 x 20 x 16 in. (Height x Width x Depth)

large hand carved oriental imperial court scene emperor throne dragon pavilion pagoda figures guards attendants court ladies incense burner clouds carved wood base asian art temple shrine palace decorative sculpture estate auction listing keywords