A Rare Pair of Yuan Dynasty Period Chinese Wooden Lattice Window Shutters c.1350

Origin: Chinese
Period: Yuan Dynasty
Provenance: Ex Michael Goedhuis
Date: c.1350
Widths: 18”
Heights: 38”
Depths: 2”

The beautifully dry and untouched rectangular frames with a pierced latticework with repeating flower heads to moulded bordered frames, the whole carved in softwood and surviving from the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368) and formally from the stable of Michael Goedhuis.

Considering the considerable age, the shutters are in good overall condition, with small losses to the flower heads as photographed. They can be wall hung, used as intended or displayed floor or table top. The wood is dry and there are a couple of historic repairs to the frame corners.

The lattice pattern allows light to filter through the window while providing privacy, whilst also serving as a decorative element. They also provide ventilation while being able to close off the windows with sliding wooden panels or bamboo blinds. Carved wooden window frames are considered to be an important part of Chinese architectural heritage and were often seen in courtyard houses where they were used to separate different rooms.

The Yuan dynasty (1279–1368) was the first foreign-ruled dynasty in Chinese history to commandeer all of China. With no experience in the running of such a large and complex empire, the Mongols gradually adopted many Chinese cultural and bureaucratic models. Kublai Khan, a leader of the Mongol Empire, created the dynasty though it fell into rebellion after losing touch with its Mongolian roots. There were a lot of Chinese products and innovations during this time falling into printing techniques, porcelain, purified saltpetre, and more. These were often exported to Europe and West Asia. 

Of solid provenance, this very early pair are wonderfully scarce and could be displayed in any number of ways.