Chinese twelve-panel screen in black lacquered wood and gold decoration, China, 19th century

Chinese twelve-panel screen in black lacquered wood and gold decoration, China, 19th century Dimensions: cm W 403 x H 214 x D 3 Price: by private negotiation Object accompanied by our certificate of authenticity 19th-century Chinese screen made of twelve black lacquered wood panels, with a strong scenic presence, entirely decorated in gold with a refined view of an imperial palace overlooking the water. The front surface opens up like a large continuous painting: on the left, terraces and pavilions with curved roofs of typical Chinese architecture host ladies and dignitaries conversing and strolling, connected by arched bridges and staircases; in the center, the landscape expands into lakes, islets, trees, and rocks, while stylized soft mountain ranges emerge in the background. Towards the right, other representative buildings appear, small pavilions, and one, more imposing and elevated, dominates the scene, creating a theatrical effect of depth. The decoration alternates gold and lacquers in warmer brown-gold tones, with details incised in the lacquer that highlight tiles, balustrades, tree canopies, and the figures' clothing. The subject as a whole presents those typical themes of furnishings destined for important and prestigious residences. The lower part and the outer frames of the panels are marked by rectangular reserves with floral motifs. In the upper right, a golden inscription stands out, in Chinese characters, of a celebratory taste and reminiscent of the Qing dynasty's style, associated with a seal-style inscription linked to good wishes and auspicious greetings. The back of the panels is lacquered black and decorated with golden floral motifs and medallions. This decoration makes the back of the panels usable as well, should the screen be placed in the center of a room and therefore observable from both the front and the back. The panels are indeed articulated by hinges that allow them to be opened and partially folded with ease: the screen can therefore function both as a divider to create intimate areas in a living room, a bedroom, or a study, and as a large decorative panel leaning against a wall, almost like a huge painting. The overall effect is that of a luminous landscape, capable of transforming any room into a refined and very elegant scenography. Perfectly suited to both antique and modern interiors, the chromatic contrast and oriental subjects make this screen extremely versatile. To protect the lacquered wood, the feet are covered with a metal protection which, in turn, gives greater luminosity to the base, making the overall piece more graceful.