Duilian couple. China, late 19th century

Duilian couple. China, late 19th century.
Wood engraved and lacquered in red and black.
Measurements: 140 x 31 cm.

In Chinese poetry a duilian or antithetical couplet is a pair of poetic verses calligraphed on a strip of cloth or paper displayed, generally, on the posts of the entrance doors to the houses. As we see here, the ideal duilian consists of few words and has a deep meaning.