A PAIR OF BRONZE FAN-SHAPED TEMPLE STANDARDS DATED TO THE DINGHAI YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1887

each chased with the name of the temple and deity on a scroll, flanked by confronting four-clawed dragons beneath a solar disc amidst bats and clouds, above a phoenix standing on a rock surrounded by peonies, all framed within a lotus scroll border, the top affixed with a dragon head, the lower edge held in the mouth of a dragon emerging from a faceted baluster-shaped shaft inscribed with the date and a dedicatory inscription (2)

Fan with pheonix facing left has small imperfections, including a pin impression and a broken boarder, both on the right side. Fan with pheonix facing the right has a split boarder on the right side and a broken pin that secures the fan to the frame on the back. Both fans have surface wear, residue in the crevices and pink residue on the other side.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The temple that these standards were made for is the Hongsheng Gong, Hongsheng is a god of the sea who provides aid to fishermen. His cult is popular along the coast of southern China, where he is still venerated today. The fans are inscribed with the date 'a favorable day in the dinghai year', and the name of the devotee who commissioned them, Tang Shaoxian.

A similar pair was sold at Bonhams London, 12th May 2011, lot 248.