Golden House Hides Auspiciousness: Abundant Offspring

Author: Xia Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This book is one of the "Treasures in Golden Houses" series, briefly discussing various types of brackets, which have been collected from antique furniture since ancient times, with most being from frame beds and a small number from ancient architectural brackets. It compares the characteristics of different eras, the collection experiences of various collectors, and the price differences across periods. It fully demonstrates the treasure value that has been passed down to this day, making it an easy-to-understand and specialized appraisal book for collectors. From brackets, knots, and auspicious items, it explores the evolution of nature, decoration, and culture. The term "bracket" carries a natural essence, "knot" implies artificial decoration, and "auspicious item" represents a cultural leap. Brackets, the original "ancestors," can be traced back to the low supports on Ming Dynasty furniture, typically short vertical woods connecting elements like rook brackets, toothboards, large sides, and caps for support and fixation, commonly known as "low supports" in folk terms (Northern China). In the Qing Dynasty, the low supports on square tables evolved to feature rich content like figures, animals, and flowers, combining functionality with decoration. With the rapid advancement of woodcarving craftsmanship in the mid-Qing Dynasty, brackets appeared in the form of floral knots and auspicious items in the daily lives and utensils of ordinary people, ranging from large structural supports (commonly known as "bull legs") and beam pads to windows, doors, and frame beds. Their content had entered the cultural realm, mostly expressing auspicious meanings through homophonic symbolism. In addition to popular flowers and animals, the content also included divine stories, wishes for children to succeed, and opera characters. Brackets are divided into (1) supporting brackets, which primarily serve the function of support and stability: commonly found in ancient architecture and Eight Immortals tables. (2) decorative brackets, which fill gaps and enhance aesthetics. The brackets in this book are collected from antique furniture, with the majority being from frame beds and a small number from ancient architectural brackets.