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A Rare Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Wood Panel, Framed for a Porcelain Plaque, Vietnam, 19th Century Panel Dimensions: 38 x 38 cm (15 x 15 in) This highly decorative square panel is an exceptional example of Vietnamese fine woodworking, characterized by the intricate technique of mother-of-pearl (nacre) inlay. The design of the central aperture strongly suggests the frame was originally intended to house a circular ceramic plaque, likely a Vietnamese or Chinese porcelain insert.Carved dark hardwood (likely Dalbergia or a similar Southeast Asian timber) inlaid with mother-of-pearl and copper wire detailing. The technique, known as khảm xà cừ in Vietnamese, involves precisely cutting thin slices of iridescent nacre into elaborate patterns and setting them flush into the carved recesses of the wood. This technique was highly prized in the imperial courts of the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802–1945).The central field features an openwork, deeply carved floral and foliate scroll design, emphasizing continuous vines and stylized blossoms. The carving is dense and intricate. The inner and outer square borders are neatly inlaid with geometric patterns and small, repeating floral motifs using mother-of-pearl.The focal point is the large, circular opening, surrounded by a thick, dark wooden bezel. The space is currently empty, indicating the removal of its original centerpiece. Based on the common use of such panels, this aperture was designed to hold a circular porcelain plaque, often decorated with auspicious scenes, calligraphy, or portraits. Vietnamese inlay work of the 19th century is renowned for its exceptional density, intricacy, and the iridescent quality of the nacre used, often surpassing the style of contemporary Chinese pieces by featuring finer, more delicate detailing and deeper relief carving in the surrounding wood. (Panel Dimensions: 38 x 38 cm (15 x 15 i) Portuguese private collection Dimensions: Panel Dimensions: 38 x 38 cm (15 x 15 i

재료

Porcelain