An unusual 19th century hexagonal Chinoiserie stand depicting palace scenes on one side and a poem in Classical Chinese on the other side. Marble top inset. China, circa 1858, made by Peng.

Left panel

Original:

四望浓云起纷纷

挂晚阴雷飞光闪

结晚除霁天垂野

松柏含烟起风尘

Translation:

Thick clouds rise in all directions,

Hanging in the evening, thunder flies with flashes of light.

After the evening clears, the sky hangs over the fields,

Pine and cypress trees hold mist as the wind and dust rise.

Right panel

Original:

临风之意不厌酒

在乎山水之间

山水之乐得之谓

耳目富之也

Translation:

The intention to face the wind does not tire of wine,

Being among the mountains and waters,

The joy of the mountains and waters is said to be,

Enriching the eyes and ears.

Middle panel

Original:

戊午年

谁赤真

彭作于

学月

Translation:

Year of Wuxu

Who is truly red

Made by Peng

Learning Month

In the context of Chinese historical dating, “Wuxu” (戊午) refers to one of the 60-year cycle dates in the traditional Chinese calendar. This system, known as the sexagenary cycle, combines the Ten Heavenly Stems (天干) and the Twelve Earthly Branches (地支) to create a 60-year cycle.

“Wuxu” consists of:

• “Wu” (戊), which is the fifth Heavenly Stem.

• “Xu” (午), which is the seventh Earthly Branch.

The Wuxu year recurs every 60 years. The next Wuxu year is 2038. Previous Wuxu years have been: 1978, 1918, 1858, 1798 etc. The only year which is consistent with the age and style of the stand is 1858.

Dimensions

Width: 41.5 cm / 16.25”
Depth: 18.5 cm / 7.25”
Height: 24.5 cm / 9.5”

Shell is not included.