Pair of doors which originally most probably formed part of an ancestral shrine very similar but slightly smaller than the one under ‘Religion & Belief’ (See Quick Find 8888). The scenes were carved in intricate detail depicting amongst others a man worshipping before an altar, a man lying in the water under a bridge, a soldier on a horse threatening another person with his sword and a man in a wheeled chair. The bottom part shows a cauldron (Ding), one of the ‘Hundred Treasures’ and a punt for ‘Must do’. The tops have panels which are decorated with a Narcissus flower, symbol of Good Fortune and Prosperity on one door and Plum blossoms on the other. Plum blossoms are emblematic of Perseverance and Purity. In addition, the five petals of the Plum flower represent the Five Blessings, Longevity, Wealth , Health, Love of Virtue and a Peaceful death. Two birds on each of these panels complement the idyllic picture. The doors were lacquered after carving. They were discovered in 1972 and date from the Tong Zhi period (1864 – 1872) or earlier. Height 40 cm. Width 17.5 cm. Thickness 2 cm.