DESCRIPTION: A superb antique Chinese carved and polychromed lacquer eight-panel Coromandel Screen, early 19th c., elaborately carved with one side depicting an extensive battle scene under which are still life vignettes of vases, peonies and persimmons. The reverse depicts an idyllic court landscape, with floral sprays beneath. Around the whole on both sides is a continuous floral border. This screen is what would be referred to as a “middle sized” Coromondel, and would have typically been placed behind a throne or master’s chair. Photos shown here do not do this screen justice, as the screen is very reflective when a flash is used.
CONDITION: All panels are intact and in fine condition; scattered cracking is seen as is typical of Coromandel. The color is very vibrant on both sides. There are scattered chips, nicks, rubbed areas and small losses consistent with age and usage, all common to antique Coromandel screens. Some small areas on edges with touch-ups and fill where chipped, but there are no large losses and no losses to primary designs. Structurally sound. DIMENSIONS: 70” high (178 cm) x 126” wide fully extended (320 cm).
ABOUT COROMANDEL SCREENS: Coromandel was an important trading port in an area on the east coast of India, from where these screens were originally shipped to continental Europe. Contrary to their name, these screens did not come from India but from China, with Coromandel an important halfway stop in the shipment. Through the misunderstanding of early European dealers, these screens received their name.
Coromandel lacquer is a Chinese lacquer technique in which patterns are carved out of a smooth lacquer surface, revealing the neutral ground coating. This carved design is then colored with polychromed oil or lacquer pigments. The technique was first described in the “Xiu Shi Lu”, a 16th century book about the lacquer industry that was adapted in 1625 by Yang Ming. It was known as “kuan cai” or “cut out and colored lacquer”. Study of Chinese literature tells us that these screens usually stood in the entrance hall to a wealthy Chinese home, or served to divide up large rooms.
Price: Sold and Shipped to Tennessee, Thanks Stock #ARCH39
