Formed of a series of six panels joined by hinges, and thus able to fold and adjust as required, this excellent screen is intricately decorated to back and front, and replete with a rich, lustrous, black surface texture.
The front panels are each formed in three vertical sections. A circular section sits above a tall and slender rectangular section, with a final square-form section at the bottom. The three sections are decorated in a variety of hardstones, used to depict still life compositions of flowers, vases and other Chinese objects. The upper circles contain beautiful images of cranes in various poses and positions. The screen uses a full range of Chinese hardstones, in a variety of colours and tones, lending the piece a tremendous vibrancy. Most of the hardstones used feature delicate pastel shades, and exhibit stunning natural banding habits. The frontal sections are further ornamented with scrolling gilt borders.
The reverse of the screen is also formed in three sections (with two square form sections either side of the central rectangular section), decorated tastefully with gilt foliate designs and scrolls in a more muted, subtle, but equally elegant manner.
When closed: height 183cm, width 40.5cm, depth 18cm When opened: height 183cm, width 243cm, depth 2.5cm