For sale is a finely carved 19th century China Trade picture frame with intricate bat, birds, and floral carvings. This frame is inscribed on reverse as being from the China Trade Clipper ship the Golden Gate. The Golden State launched out of New York in 1853 and made voyages along the China Trade routes up until about 1868. So this frame was possibly acquired during one of those voyages. We are unsure.

The frame with an open winged carved bat on the crown and flanked on each side by two birds which we believe to be a mating pair of swallows.

The bat is highly important in Chinese culture. Bat (fu 蝠) The bat is a symbol of happiness and joy. The Chinese for bat (fu 蝠) sounds identical to the word for good fortune(fu 福) making bats a popular Chinese rebuses. Five bats together represent the 'Five Blessings' (wufu 五福): long life, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death.

The carved swallows are also important in Chinese symbolism

In Chinese culture, the swallow is a bird symbolic of feminine grace and beauty. ... 燕 yàn is still frequently used in girls' names in China. The swallow is also traditionally regarded as a symbol of matrimonial tenderness, due to the habit of mating pairs building nests in human habitations.

The frame is in overall good condition for age with one repaired hairline split on bottom left side (as pictured). Small chips but otherwise very good.

Perfect frame for a small Chinese rank badge or silk embroidery

Measurements:

Frame (Outer) - 12 1/4” x 9 1/2”

Sight Size - 6 1/2” x 4 5/8”

Rabbet (Rear opening) - 6 3/4” x 5”