This ornately carved plaque has large Chinese characters 衛荆 ('wei jing') inscribed at the center, and two rows of smaller characters inscribed at the side. The words inscribed on the two rows are 喬迁之敬 ('wei qian zhi jing', "Congratulations on moving to your new residence") and 敝號萬通號拜賀 ('bi hao wan tong hao bai he', "Made by the Wan Tong Company"). ‘Wei Jing’ refers to Gongzi Jing (公子荊), a man who lived in the state of Wei (衛) during the Spring and Autumn period. Gongzi Jing was mentioned in the Analects of Confucius for his unassuming attitude in managing both household and wealth. He was a popular figure amongst the wealthy Chinese merchant communities, which saw in him a good example of a man establishing a successful business and family.
