Two Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Cork Dioramas in Glazed Frames

This lot consists of two mid-20th-century Chinese cork carving dioramas, known as Mu-Hua. The decorative pieces feature intricate hand-carved landscapes made from the bark of the oriental cork oak tree, set within glass-fronted frames with a black lacquer finish.

The larger diorama is circular and mounted on a traditional-style shaped base. The interior scene depicts a multi-roofed pavilion on a brick-textured terrace, flanked by a gnarled pine tree with green-tinted needles and bamboo stalks. Two white-painted cranes are situated in the foreground amongst stylised vegetation.

The smaller diorama is of fan-shaped form on an integral base. It contains a similar landscape composition featuring a central pavilion, gnarled trees, and two cranes. No maker’s marks or labels are present.

Larger piece: 180mm (h) x 165mm (w)

Smaller piece: 85mm (h) x 110mm (w).