The fretwork in this vintage Chinese architectural panel combines both rounded and straight-edged pieces of elm wood to create a simple, elegant pattern. Large openwork panels such as this were handcrafted by artisans into many hundreds of fretwork designs and set within a variety of square, rectangle, round, hexagon and octagon frames to be used as interior windows in old Chinese houses, providing light, air circulation and a feeling of space. We have seen them recycled for present day archite ...click for details
A large wood hexagon panel in the Chinese fretwork pattern known as “cracked ice” or “broken glass” has a light, airy look despite measuring nearly 32 inches (81 cm) in diameter. The piece is centered with a round carving of two birds in a flowering tree. Used as wall art, such fretwork brings texture and interest and makes a space appear larger. We have sold many versions of this fretwork pattern in round, hexagon, octagon, square and rectangle frames over the years, many of them antiques ori ...click for details
A large 42-inch diameter architectural window panel is constructed with the striking Chinese fretwork pattern called “cracked ice” or “broken glass.” The openwork gives this intricately fitted elm wood piece a light and airy look. Centering the fretwork is a pierced carving of a seated woman holding a fan. She is surrounded by a garden of finely carved trees and rocks set against a carved key design background. This circular garden scene is bordered with scrolling and, at the top, two bats, s ...click for details
