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Subject:Painted Character(s) Inside a Chinese Wedding Chest
Posted By: Cliff Nunn Tue, Feb 23, 2021 IP: 74.98.220.226
Hi All,

We just purchased a red lacquered Chinese wedding chest in a quasi-Ming style, circa 19th or early 20th Century, and I was surprised to find the mark pictured here painted inside - I haven't been able to translate it, but perhaps it denoted luck, or health or fertility?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on this piece's painted mark, which is on the center board in the interior back, high up at eye level. Thanks!

Best,
Cliff



Subject:Re: Painted Character(s) Inside a Chinese Wedding Chest
Posted By: mikeoz Tue, Feb 23, 2021
i think it's just a carpenter's mark to point out a joint.

Subject:Re: Painted Character(s) Inside a Chinese Wedding Chest
Posted By: Cliff Nunn Wed, Feb 24, 2021
Thanks! I’m surprised, as the mark is centered in the visible area of the inside back of the chest, and is about five or six inches high. It is on one of the boards that comprise the back, but not sure if near a joint. It looks like it was intended to be noticed by the bride whenever she opened the chest/armoire. Is it possible this character has a second meaning?

Best,
Cliff

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Subject:Re: Painted Character(s) Inside a Chinese Wedding Chest
Posted By: I.Nagy Thu, Feb 25, 2021
連　lián, as verb has the following meanings;
to join, to link, to connect etc.
連　Lián, is also used as surname Lián

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Painted Character(s) Inside a Chinese Wedding Chest
Posted By: Cliff Nunn Thu, Feb 25, 2021
Thank you; that is fascinating! I suppose it could simply denote the owners, or perhaps the term has a similar multi-layered meaning as “link” or “join” in English. Certainly those terms would be relevant to the context of a wedding gift/dowry!

Best,
Cliff

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