Description
Screen. Wood, lacquer, jade, stone and painted ivory inlays. Early 20th century The jade work from the Ming and Qing periods Each panel consists of a square, a large oblong and a round field of black lacquer, decorated with vases, showpieces and flowering branches. The vases are inlaid with partially openwork carved jade plaques and the body and decorative base are made of carved and painted ivory. The vases contain either branches with green stone leaves and carnelian flowers or fruits or small ornaments. Individual plaques or figurative works also have a richly carved and painted ivory base. The black lacquer panels are set into a frame on two feet between a curved frame, which is finished in red carved lacquer with floral reserves. The back is lacquered black. The panels are connected to each other with metal hooks. The present screen follows in the tradition of the large lacquer screens that were given as gifts on the occasion of birthdays and anniversaries, as well as the wood-framed lacquer panels with depictions of objects from the scholar's desk applied in various materials such as enamel cloisonné, stone and organic materials. The 18th century and later panels provided the opportunity to display artistic objects and collectibles in an original way. A collector of jades, who usually kept his treasures in boxes, shelves and etagères, could make his treasures permanently visible by mounting them on panels. Hung in the reception room or assembled and displayed as a screen, they were accessible to visitors and testified to the sophistication of their owner. As was common in the 18th century, jade plaques and carvings were highlighted and enhanced by being mounted on ivory stands (see Bonhams, London, 15.5.2014, lot 373). On the present screen, the artificial abrasion gives the ivory bases a deliberately antique appearance. The jade work on the screen is composed of round plaques, possibly from ruyi sceptres, pendants, smaller desk objects, belt hooks and small jade flowers that were sewn onto garments in the Song period - but may be of a later date here. It is also possible that carvings were taken from older panels. Such a screen is a good example of "recycling" and an inventive reuse of art objects. Per panel 183.5 x 41 cm; total length 248 cm Provenance Private property, Northern Germany, acquired in the USA in 1971 This object was made using materials for which a CITES permit is required for export to countries outside the EU. We would like to point out that a permit is not usually issued.
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Screen. Wood, lacquer, jade, stone and painted ivory inlays.
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