Description

A pair of antique Japanese folding keyaki doors with iron mounts. The door is constructed with mortise and tenon joints. The panels are divided into 7 parts framed with carved decoration and hinged with iron mounts. The carved decoration is finely painted with polychrome mineral pigment with gold gilt accents. The subject matter of the temple doors is a scrolling lotus motif and 8 phoenixes.

The phoenix represents power sent from the heavens to the Empress. If a phoenix was used to decorate a house, it symbolized loyalty and honesty. A phoenix only stays when the ruler is without darkness and corruption.

Provenance: Avery Brundage Collection

Date:18th century

Dimensions: 94 1/2″ high (98″ high including dowel hinge) x 80″ wide (total) x 3 1/2″ deep.