Pair of Antique Chinese Carved and Gilt Lattice Screens. The old red lacquer on these antique screens retains a beautiful old patina over its smooth deep red color that came from precious organic mineral compound. Each screen is composed of sections of latticework presented in the forms of various auspicious Chinese characters such as Shou (Longevity), Fu (blessing), etc., covered in crushed shell for its glittering effect which has mostly worn now. The thick layers of gold on various carved motives on the screen however still stay the original striking gold color. One can only imagine the lavish look when these screens were created!

The center carved motives on the screens include auspicious vases with flowers (harmony, peace), teapot and wine vessel, and other scholarly or temple objects, flanked by four rectangular squares of carved openwork with dragon motif which are also covered in thick gold. Noticeable are the layered carvings on the top of each screen with Bamboo and plum blossom motif which suggest these screens were created in a set of four with vegetation from the four different seasons-spring (orchid or peony), summer (bamboo), fall (chrysanthemum), and winter (plum blossom). These screens were possibly from a pair of large size cabinets with a total of four doors or from two sets of windows with wooden shutters behind them for opening and closing. The old brass rings/pulls are still on these screens.

When one looks at these screens, one can't help to sadly notice the carvings of figures on the carved sections of the screens underneath the larger latticework structure were scraped off and destroyed! These official figures inside a building and others in the courtyard displayed traditional cultural scene that might have been considered distasteful old thinking and were forbidden during the political turmoil. 19th century.

Dimensions: 18 3/8" L x 46" H x 1 7/8" D (each window)

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