Ancestor Painting, Couple in Burgundy and Black 29 x 36cm The dark lacquer finish over

The dark lacquer finish over the elm wood is largely still in place

in the two large square panels towards the bottom

solid wood dining table in a warm elm finish

Raised wing-like carvings at each end of the extended cabinet top indicate the religious function

The detail is extraordinary

Ancestor Painting, Couple in Burgundy and Black 29 x 36cm The dark lacquer finish overThis large, colourful painting on canvas is a reproduction based on the ancestor portraits produced in China for centuries as part of the common practice of ancestor worship. Families would honour their ancestors by lighting joss sticks and placing offerings in front of their portraits, which would show either individuals, couples or in some cases several generations. The subjects would normally be shown seated, dressed in their official robes