42×23×52 cm (16 1/2×9×20 1/2 in)

Of rectangular profile, the top of this shrine is pierced with an openwork frieze of two stylized dragons confronting a flaming pearl, the main stage is framed with a beaded cusped apron continuing down the sides with further cusps below the evenly curved spandrels, and set in the front with a low balustrade of pierced panels. The stand is supported on a low waisted base with thick cabriole legs of square section projecting sharply out from the sides and secured by a cusped curvilinear apron carved with symmetrical vegetal scrolls.
Shrines of this form were used in private residences for the name tablets of ancestors, or set with the image of a door guardian or some other protective deity and adorned with vases of flowers and incense burners. This type of small family shrine is related to the modern red-lacquered wood shrines commonly found at the entrances to most Hong Kong and Southeast Asian Chinese business premises, but it is relatively rare to find an early example in hardwood.
——Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Chinese Funiture: One Hundred and Three Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection Ⅱ

Price estimate:
HKD: 240,000 - 400,000
USD: 30,800 - 51,400

Auction Result:
HKD: 300,000