Pair of Red Lacquer Couplet Signs

This pair of decorative red lacquer signs dates to the late 19th century and is carved in relief with a poetic couplet. Carved to resemble ink calligraphy, the couplet reads: "Do good deeds without questioning your happiness, pursue knowledge without forgetting your principles." The long, vertical signs are each finished with a thin layer of red and black lacquer, now faded from years of use.