Pair of Polychrome Architectural Corner Braces

This pair of architectural corner braces offers a unique glimpse into the history of interior design and architecture in China. Each is carved and painted in an ethereal manner that would have enhanced their position in the rafters of an ornate 18th century Chinese building. The carvings are abstract clouds and the original polychrome paintings have aged beautifully, in a gentle, dreamy way. Each support is decorated a bit differently, and both are heavily influenced by the painted ceilings of Beijing's Imperial Summer Palace. Each object is mounted on a block of reclaimed Chinese elm wood.