A rare large Chinese lacquer Buddha shrine Lot n° 2517

A rare large Chinese lacquer Buddha shrine, Ming dynasty, 15-17th century, China, An impressive altar piece, housing a Buddha figure. Finished in old gilded lacquer of a deep red ground, profusely carved with dragons in clouds, under a bell shaped roof. H 125 cm, W 53.5 cm, D 30.5 cm, One of the dragon heads is broken off and missing (to the lower left of the buddha lotus throne). Normal wear from age and use. Some faults and small damages as can be seen in the photos but these are in keeping with the age and nature of the material.