Ancestor Painting, Couple in Yellow and Black Bench The intricate open carvings show

The intricate open carvings show various leaf and scrolling designs

they are known as 'bi' (pronounced 'bee') in Chinese and come with a black metal stand as shown

circa 1870

but have now mellowed to softer

with its impressive size and proportions

Ancestor Painting, Couple in Yellow and Black Bench The intricate open carvings showThis large ancestor portrait is a reproduction based on the paintings produced in China for centuries as part of the common practice of ancestor worship. Families would honour their ancestors with offerings placed in front of their portraits, which would show either individuals, couples or in some cases several generations. The subjects would be shown seated, dressed in their official robes displaying the square badges of their rank. Here the man and