An ancestral tablet, known as Pai T’an or Pei Dz’eh in Chinese, is a common object of worship in Chinese temples. It has also been a notable device in the practice of ancestor worship and necromancy in European culture as well. The author of “Chinese Household Furniture” explains, “The tablet, used by the Chinese for houses of varying size, is a piece of soft wood or stone-like shale, although the latter is rarely found. It stands upright and is often carried on parade by the headman of a secret society. Upon the upright surface is inscribed the sessa or surname of the god or spirit and also a conventionalized human figure surrounded by rays.” An ancestral tablet differs in quality according to a family’s or society’s status. A common device is usually of more recent date, as the occupant of the spiritual office changes with succeeding generations and has a lower status than one that is very old. Tablet-like statues are also utilized; with these, the molding is symbolic and gives an indication of the spirit’s status or social rank.
Ancestor worship is an integral part of all facets of Chinese life. It is founded on the belief that the dead have a continued existence and an interest in the fate of those living in the world. The focal point of ancestors’ worship is the family altar upon which the tablet inscribed with the names of the family’s ancestors is placed.
Definition of Ancestral Tablet
Throughout Chinese history, their emperors believed that maintaining ritual and order would bring peace and harmony to the world. This is why the earliest record of an ancestral tablet can be seen as far back as the Han Dynasty. Ancestral tablets clear confusion on where and who or what should be worshipped in hoping to receive guidance and aid for any given purpose. This, in turn, will empower the spirit.
In short, an ancestral tablet can be deemed the equivalent of a cellular phone. In present day, owning a certain high-quality cellular device can offer video and voice communication between two parties, who can potentially be at two ends of the earth. In comparison with a cellular device, owning an ancestral tablet does not require additional costs in the long run, as it shows respect through various means for current and former life and helps guide a family to prosperity.
Ancestral Tablet: A Guide to Price and Usage is written by Leland Liu, and it aims to inform the reader what an ancestral tablet is, its uses, and more. This artifact is taken for granted, and many people do not know the importance of it. It is a fragile item and it is not visible to the naked eye. In ancient times, owning an ancestral tablet grants the ability to transport across realms and allow direct communication and interaction between their current and former life.
Importance of Ancestral Tablets
Ancestral worship has been practiced in China for thousands of years. In the past, when people were born, they would live in the same house their entire life, regardless of marital status. Sons would bring their wives to live in the same household as their parents. After a few generations, this large household would split into smaller extended families. Finally, after several more generations, each of these families would split into separate nuclear families. This would usually occur because of quarrels between family members. The smallest of these units was the stem family, composed of a father and his sons. When a family had reached this stage, they would commission a “wall” or ancestral tablet, to commemorate the former generations. This would be an event of great importance and would hold great significance throughout the continuing existence of that family. Ancestral tablets were so important that people would sacrifice their own lives in attempts to recover stolen family ancestral tablets. This was seen as recent as the early 20th century. Due to recent political and social reform, traditional culture has been seen as less important to many people, however there has been a recent revival in interest of ancestral tablets. This is why it is important to be able to differentiate real ancestral tablets from modern forgeries.
Factors Affecting Ancestral Tablet Price
The ancestral tablet price can vary greatly, and it is determined by a number of factors. Consumers who are buying have a budget, and those with a better understanding of the market for ancestral tablets and the factors affecting price are more likely to get the best deal for their money. There are some general rules on what to expect to pay for a tablet of certain age and historical significance, but in any given instance the price will be determined by the specific traits of the tablet in question. The first and most important factor in assessing the price of an ancestral tablet is its age and historical significance. The age of a tablet can be difficult to know for laymen, and it should be noted that it is possible for either a consumer or seller to be mistaken about the age of a given tablet. The historical significance of a tablet is usually correlated with its age, but there are many exceptions to this rule. Tablets belonging to famous individuals or families are of course more valuable. An educated consumer may attempt to assess the age and historical significance of a tablet he is considering through non-invasive means.
Material and Craftsmanship
The prior to discussing the role that materials and quality levels play in affecting price, it is useful to outline the types of ready-made ancestral tablets that are available in the market and how they are produced. In recent years, a growing number of mass produced, low cost tablets have become available for purchase. These are generally made from thin plywood and plain newspaper quality print. Such tablets can be quickly made by feeding printed sheets through a press which applies glue and a thin layer of wood over the paper. These tablets are of very low quality by traditional standards and hold no historical significance. They are also not intended to last for more than a year and are disposed at the death of the owner, hence will have no resale value. A far cry from these disposable tablets are the quality pieces which are backed by craftsmanship and tradition. These tablets are generally produced by Buddhist or Taoist sculptors and printmakers from Taiwan, Hong Kong and SE Asia. These craftsmen belong to a guild system and have passed their skills down over generations. The higher quality tablets are made with a variety of printing and carving tools on a multitude of materials including wood, bronze, and stone. Wherever possible, I will attempt to clarify how the various materials and craftsmanship levels relate to price.
Age and Historical Significance
There is no doubt that an old or historical piece generally will have a greater price than a new one. Thanks to a few centuries of various upheavals, most of which of course involve war, many old Chinese art masterpieces can now be found outside of China. For instance, many top quality Chinese paintings and calligraphy have had stints as treasures among Japanese temples and private collections, and as a result there has been instances where the Japanese have suggested that they ‘belong’ to Japan. They would accuse China of not being able to appreciate or preserve them, pointing to how during the early years of the cultural revolution some were destroyed or defaced by over-enthusiastic red guards and other ‘counter-revolutionary’ elements. During the Sino-Japanese war and the Japanese occupation of China, many treasures were looted as spoils of war, and a great many have found themselves in the hands of private collectors and museums throughout the west. Every time one of these ‘treasures’ surfaces, there is a debate over whether it should remain in the hands of the ‘finder’ or be returned to China, and this of course affects its price in both Chinese and non-Chinese art markets. It is important to note that an item’s historical significance is not always tied to its age. There are many old art relics of which the artist, the meaning and other historical details are unknown, and sometimes it is hollowed out old stone tablets or other articles whose historical significance to both art and Chinese history is bluntly, non-existent. These items will not have a great price simply because the demand for them is essentially low. By contrast, there are replicas or even modern forgeries of some great Chinese works which due to the skill, fame and effort of the forger and near complete lack of knowledge they are not fakes, are extremely close to their counterparts in historical significance and price.
Size and Design
Some factors in determining the price of an ancestral tablet are size and design. The size of the overwhelming majority of ancestral tablets is relatively small and this is one of the only accessories for genealogy that is unisex. The size is visible with the majority of styles in that they are meant to be portable and the typical male-oriented design is simple enough so as to not have any intricate engravings that would attract attention from evil spirits. Smaller tablets are usually hung within the home above eye level (so as not to anger the spirits who the family does not wish to acknowledge) while a chokuto is usually brought to the family grave and left there. These are single piece wooden tablets that are used in situations before large family gatherings in which an ofuda on every spirit is impractical. Coming in a variety of designs, most are simple engravings of the family crest which doubles as a Shinto symbol. Others are simply the katana itself. More intricate designs however are of certain important figures in the family history such as a samurai or daimyo and sometimes these figures are actually taken from artwork or ukiyo-e prints which can make accurate pricing difficult to determine. Similar small hinobori are often left at the graves and these are simple pieces of wood with paper streamers and writing to indicate source. They are cheap and disposable, usually burnt at the end of the Obon festival. Any tablet being cheaply replaced in this manner to increase affordability can also be a factor in that tablet’s authenticity.
Condition and Authenticity
Condition refers to the state of the tablet, while authenticity refers to its credibility. The conditions of a wooden tablet can include: perfect, sound, chipped, warped, broken, decayed, and there may be other specific details. It is worth noting that color of the wood or evidence of a repair does not directly affect condition. The authenticity of a tablet is essentially whether or not it is what it is claimed to be. This can depend on where the tablet was acquired, its provenance, and the attributions of experts. It is known that certain types of tablets are often faked. For example, Chinese and Japanese dealers are known to have made inscriptions on blank turtle shells and sold them as oracle bones. Oracle bones are one of the most ancient Chinese books, and they are used to discern answers to questions. An authentic oracle bone can carry a very high price and these fakes can devalue the market for them. So it is important to consider the credibility of the seller in the market for oracle bones. A dealer’s honesty and reputation can be a factor that is hard to assess, but it is highly significant when determining a tablet’s authenticity. High-quality art forgeries can also be a concern, since some ancient Chinese calligraphy and painting is so highly valued.
Evaluating the Value of Ancestral Tablets
The value of an ancestral tablet should be evaluated in accordance with these guidelines to ascertain a reasonable pricing and to avoid being overcharged. While some tablets may stay within the family or be lost for generations, many are now being bought, sold, and collected. The value of a particular tablet at this point in time is likely to be different from what it may have been sold for in the past and may differ again in the future. It is important to keep in mind the sentimental value to the family and that it is not necessary to sell a tablet, regardless of its market value. Ancestral tablets come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. 202 different kinds of black stele or stone were recorded and are often difficult to date or identify. If a particular tablet is well known and there is extensive knowledge about the historical significance, it will be easier to evaluate the value. However, there are many lesser quality tablets or imitations that are attributed to famous tablets and the valuation of these items will be more difficult.
Researching Historical Background
Ancestral tablet can be a priceless heirloom, a monument to past generations. Family tradition often maintains that an ancestral tablet has been passed for generations, but it is not uncommon for family members to be uncertain of the origin of the tablet. There are three major categories of ancestral tablets that can be tied to a specific historical or individual. The first is an official government issue of which there are few in existence today outside of Japan. The second is a memorial tablet immortalizing a specific individual or group such as the memorial to the Japanese workers who lost their lives constructing the Canadian Pacific Railway. The third is a family altar, often inscribed with only the family name, which had been crafted to enshrine an existing tablet or when the family was making a new start in another land. All of the above mentioned share in common the possibility of obtaining historical documentation which can be a critical factor in determining their value. In addition to the historical documentation, information as to the origin of the tablet can often be obtained from local Japanese or Chinese communities. This information is not usually of any specific financial value, but it can offer insight into the sentimental value which is an important factor in whether or not to sell a family heirloom. One of the primary methods of researching historical background and the most important is to look for the existing itais or graveyards in which tablets were originally enshrined. This itself is a dying tradition with the couple of generations making a large number of Japanese and Chinese graveyards to be lost to the bush and undergrowth.
Consulting Experts and Appraisers
To get an expert view on the newly acquired knowledge and artifact, it is recommended to take photographs of the art and rubbings of any inscriptions before going on to consult experts and appraisers. Some museums have pre-Columbian and Asian art departments and curators who will often help identify and sometimes appraise the value of such an item. If there are no pre-Columbian art experts in your area, then it is advisable to seek the nearest available. Some curators and experts will require house visits and may charge a nominal fee. If no museum experts are available, there are appraisers who specialize in appraising certain types of art. Some will have knowledge of pre-Columbian art and some won’t; decide if the expertise in appraising your specific type of art is worth the cost of appraisal. The American Society of Appraisers can help locate an appraiser with the expertise needed. Always try to get more than one informed opinion. Remember, never have an Ancestral Tablet appraised by a person who may be interested in purchasing it; this could cause a conflict of interest and negate an objective appraisal of the tablet’s value. Also, never agree to an appraisal that is tied in with the agreement to sell the item with the appraiser. An appraisal should be an objective third-party estimate of value.
Remember, you should generate text only for section “3.2. Consulting Experts and Appraisers”.
Market Trends and Demand
Wu and his wife have two Japanese wooden ancestral tablets. Considering the strength of the market for Japanese antiques and the great condition of their tablets, it is not impossible for them to sell one of the tablets. Wu has asked an antique dealer and got a very shocking deal. The antique dealer has offered RM 1,800 to RM 2,500 for one of the tablets. This is due to the great condition and fine wood quality of the ancestral tablets. Wu has considered buying a better condition Japanese ancestral tablet to replace the one he sold. He has searched on the internet and some antique shops, and the current price is in the range between RM 2000 to RM 2,500. He was quite shocked seeing the price as the tablet condition was not as good as the one he sold. He has later realized that market trend can greatly affect the demand and price of a certain product. Price and demand change periodically and he should have done some research before deciding to sell the tablet. It is important for him to be aware of the market trend so he can get a good deal for the things he buys or the things he sells.
Market trend is a vital key to analyze the demand of certain product in the market. ‘Ancestral tablet’ is initially used in China and has now been known to spread throughout its neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea and Malaysia. It is certain that the market for Chinese antiques is the strongest, followed by the Japanese. Japan and China are among the countries that have many ancestors’ tablet enthusiasts. This is due to the Japanese colonial period and war, which is a distressing issue for them. The market in Malaysia seems moderate as most Malays and Indians do not have a culture of keeping ancestor’s tablets unless they have Chinese or Indian ancestors. The demand for this product has been seen as very positive. Certain antique shops claim that it is very hard for them to find the products as the previous owners are very reluctant to sell. Price-wise, it is among the highest compared to various other types of antiquities. This can be said due to high sentimental value on the owners.
Maintaining and Preserving Ancestral Tablets
When an ancestral tablet is new, there are two important tasks necessary for its conservation – firstly the construction must be periodically checked and secondly the colour touched up. When a carving has been exposed to the weather for some years, it is often difficult to tell whether any characteristic features have actually deteriorated, or whether they are still present, hidden beneath accumulated grime. The wise course to take is sometimes to call in an expert restorer who will first make a thorough clean; although this of course can be done by the owner or the direct descendants of the person named on the tablet, under the guidance of some helpful manual. When it comes to cleaning, care is necessary; old carvings are not so tough as they look and a good piece of work can be spoilt in a moment. First the surface should be attacked with a fine brush to remove loose dirt, and then a piece of cloth dipped in hydrogen peroxide should be carefully applied. This will not injure the wood but will effectively remove dirt, and in fact in some cases will bring out carved features or inscriptions which had long been invisible. When the piece is quite dry, block in colours can be applied to the carving, and when this is done the whole should be waxed, using again a fine brush to work the wax into intricacies of design. In this way life can be given to an old piece of work far gone in deterioration, and damages can generally be repaired, though mendings are often best left to a skilled carver. As the work of repainting is rather hard on the eye, it need not be done all at once, but a tablet may be satisfactory when only partially completed.
Proper Cleaning and Handling
For simple cleaning, use a clean dry cloth to gently wipe the layer of dust off the tablet. If the tablet is very dirty, you may use water and a gentle non-ionic detergent such as Ivory Liquid or Orvus WA paste (a brand of non-ionic detergent available at conservator’s suppliers). Non-ionic detergents are preferred because they do not leave behind a detergent residue; they are similar to dishwashing detergents such as Dawn and Ivory Liquid. Avoid using other types of detergents, such as anionic or cationic detergents, which may be too harsh. Commercial wipes, such as Clorox or Fantastik, should generally be avoided because their residues may be damaging to the stone surface. If you are uncertain about using a particular cleaning solution or method, consult with a professional conservator. Always test a cleaning solution on a small unobtrusive area of the stone before cleaning the entire surface. Exercise extreme caution when considering the use of water on stone because water can cause stone structural damage (such as flaking, spalling, or delamination) through several mechanisms including salt movement and crystallization, the dissolution of water soluble components from the stone, and freeze-thaw weathering. Water that is introduced into a crack or porous stone may also become trapped and contribute to the growth of damaging microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria which thrive in a damp environment. Always consult with a professional conservator before attempting to clean a stone artifact with water and inform the conservator if the artifact has been buried or stored in a wet environment.
Display and Storage Options
A tana is a special shelf specific to holding tablets. Often found in Japanese homes and Buddhist temples, tanas are usually made of wood, with the name plaque placed above the designated area. The shelf is partitioned by levels, each level holding the tablet of a different generation in the family. The tana has the benefit of safety, as the enclosed space protects the tablet from dust, damage, and the eyes of those who do not know of the tablet’s significance. However, the tana is often out of reach and thus out of mind, as one must kneel to pray or meditate with the tablet at the tana. A common practice is to leave food and incense offerings below the tana, an act that does not involve the tablet itself and is more likely to occur when the tablet is forgotten. Leaving the food and incense is also a common practice for display type storage, which can inadvertently lead to vermin, mold, or fire damage to the offering and tablet left in front of a common household shrine.
In the hustle of everyday life, an ancestral tablet may be a forgotten item hidden away in storage or collecting dust on a forgotten shelf. Though it used to be stored in a place of honor and respect, it may not have the same fate in this era and time. Whether one has a Japanese ihai, a Chinese spirit tablet, or a Vietnamese bia di, there are three general options in keeping a tablet: tana, display, or wall installation.
Preventing Damage and Deterioration
The way an ancestral tablet is handled is of vital importance to its condition. Preventing deterioration is an ongoing process that must be done with care for the tablet. It is a responsibility that goes beyond generations if the tablet is to be preserved for the family line. There are a few methods that can best ensure a tablet’s condition. The first is to simply place the ancestral tablet in a location where it won’t be subject to wear and tear. This can serve as both a method of prevention and a cure. If the tablet has been damaged, say a piece of the wood has been chipped away, this piece can be restored before it stands a chance of getting lost. If the tablet has been moved around many times, first by a family then sold to a collector, one would want to be careful in handling it and place it in a permanent location. High humidity and extreme temperatures can be detrimental to wooden ancestral tablets over time. Excessive humidity has the potential to promote mold growth on wooden surfaces. Mold feeds on the wood itself, and over time will result in the degradation of the tablet. Extreme dryness can cause wood to become brittle and crack, resulting in irreparable damage. One must keep their ancestral tablet in a controlled environment to ensure its preservation. This means avoiding outside areas, as well as inside areas that are not connected to some form of air conditioning method. A tablet should never be kept in any type of attic or basement. These two locations tend to hold humidity and temperature much more than the rest of the home, and they are also more prone to insect infestations.
Insurance and Security Measures
Practical measures of identification to deter theft, while ensuring that the tablets are not damaged in the process, should also be taken into consideration. It is not advisable to inscribe into the wood of the tablets. Rather, small water-resistant tags can be tied onto the handles of the tablets or a number filed onto the edge of the wood, which can be easily repaired. A communication network can be established between collectors in a certain area for the exchange of information regarding stolen items. There are also online international databases and publications that provide services for the registration and tracking of stolen art. Such measures of documentation and identification will also aid in the recovery of tablets that are lost or damaged in natural disasters.
While specific insurance for the protection of tangible cultural properties such as ancestral tablets is rare, including them in a general household insurance scheme is the next best thing. The first step, however, is to contact the insurance company to confirm that such items are covered under the category of household contents or personal effects. If not, request a special clause for their protection. The next step is to create detailed records of the tablets so that in the event of theft or disaster, it is easier to prove their existence and determine whether or not recovered items are, in fact, the missing artifacts. It is recommended to take photographs and also to make clay impressions of any inscriptions or designs on the back of the tablets. These impressions can be used to make inscriptions if it is not possible to recover the original.
