Large openwork panel which used to sit in front of a window, This is also the reason that it is decorated on both sides. One side shows the ‘Three Star Gods’ Fuxing (God of Prosperity), Luxing (God of Status) and Shou Lao (God of Longevity) known in China as Fu, Lu and Shou. Statues of these three Gods are found on the facades of temples and ancestral shrines as well as in nearly every Chinese home and in many Chinese-owned shops on small altars with a glass of water, an orange or other auspicious offerings. In this panel the Gods are standing under a pine tree. A deer is peering from behind Shou Lao. The Deer is a symbol of Wealth and Rank and the Pine Tree represents Longevity. A crane (Long Life) and a bonsai pine tree (Longevity) are flanking the Three Star Gods. The Gods are apparently very charmed by two very cute boys symbolizing a wish for children. Bamboo (Humility and Fidelity) and Rocks (Longevity, Reliability and Hardness) complement the central medallion. The combination of Pine and Rocks is again a pun for Longevity. Four stylized dragon-like creatures with large eyes surround the central medallion. They symbolize Fertility. The back side of this panel was originally turned outward and is therefore weathered. Despite its rough appearance very small flakes of gilding can still be seen on the back side. The panel was found in an antiques shop in Hong Kong in 1994 and dates from the middle of the Qing period (1644–1912). The carving is of a very high standard. Height 122 cm. Width 60 cm. Depth 2 cm.