LES THÈMES
Vintage Hand-Carved Hardstone & Lacquer Chinese Folding Screen
An exceptional mid-century Chinese four-panel paravent, richly decorated in carved semi-precious and ornamental hardstones, mother-of-pearl and gilt detailing against a deep black lacquer ground. The composition unfolds across the panels as a continuous natural landscape populated by cranes in flight and at rest, ancient pine, flowering roses, scholar’s rocks, stylised clouds and water. The cranes are particularly finely executed, assembled from individually shaped and carved pieces of stone in warm ivory, softly blushed, grey and muted celadon-green tones. Their plumage is remarkably detailed, with individually incised feathers, overlapping wings modelled in relief, and extraordinarily slender carved legs, articulated feet and pointed beaks. Small accents of russet and darker stone define their crowns and necks, while the varying poses—standing, descending and suspended in flight—give the composition a wonderful sense of movement.
The surrounding landscape demonstrates an equally beautiful use of natural materials. Gnarled pine trunks carved from deep russet-red stone extend beneath clusters of radiating needles, while pierced scholar’s rocks in mottled grey-green hardstone rise among sculptural roses and flowering branches. The blossoms are carved in cream and blush-toned stones with natural veining running through individual petals and leaves. Rather than lying flush with the lacquer, much of this decoration is applied in pronounced relief, lending the screen an almost sculptural quality. Fine gilt linework traces drifting clouds and rhythmic waves through the black ground. Each principal scene is framed by a delicate border of individually inset mother-of-pearl blossoms, their subtle iridescence contrasting beautifully with the lacquer. Below, circular medallions contain individual carved botanical studies, surrounded by pointed mother-of-pearl inlay, a fine red border and elaborate gilt ornament.
The four panels are joined by metal hinges and terminate in handsome brass-capped feet, whose softly aged patina complements the gold decoration throughout. Dating to the mid-20th century and produced in China, the screen survives in exceptional vintage condition. The elaborate carved decoration to the principal face remains remarkably well preserved, particularly considering the delicacy of its projecting stone elements. The simpler reverse displays light signs of age and use consistent with its period, without detracting from the overall beauty or integrity of the piece.
For scale reference, the screen has been photographed in a room with a ceiling height of 3 meters. Due to the size and weight of this piece, shipping is quoted upon request.
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Product Details
Materials: Lacquered MDF, Brass
Vintage Condition: Very Good with Light Patina
Origin & Era: China, Early to Mid 20th-Century
Total Dimensions: ca 166cm W x 182.5cm H
Panel Dimensions: 40.5cm W x 182.5cm H
Panel Thickness: 2.5cm
Curated as part of Les Thèmes ‘Nacre Interlude’ collection, August 2026.
LES THÈMES
Vintage Hand-Carved Hardstone & Lacquer Chinese Folding Screen
An exceptional mid-century Chinese four-panel paravent, richly decorated in carved semi-precious and ornamental hardstones, mother-of-pearl and gilt detailing against a deep black lacquer ground. The composition unfolds across the panels as a continuous natural landscape populated by cranes in flight and at rest, ancient pine, flowering roses, scholar’s rocks, stylised clouds and water. The cranes are particularly finely executed, assembled from individually shaped and carved pieces of stone in warm ivory, softly blushed, grey and muted celadon-green tones. Their plumage is remarkably detailed, with individually incised feathers, overlapping wings modelled in relief, and extraordinarily slender carved legs, articulated feet and pointed beaks. Small accents of russet and darker stone define their crowns and necks, while the varying poses—standing, descending and suspended in flight—give the composition a wonderful sense of movement.
The surrounding landscape demonstrates an equally beautiful use of natural materials. Gnarled pine trunks carved from deep russet-red stone extend beneath clusters of radiating needles, while pierced scholar’s rocks in mottled grey-green hardstone rise among sculptural roses and flowering branches. The blossoms are carved in cream and blush-toned stones with natural veining running through individual petals and leaves. Rather than lying flush with the lacquer, much of this decoration is applied in pronounced relief, lending the screen an almost sculptural quality. Fine gilt linework traces drifting clouds and rhythmic waves through the black ground. Each principal scene is framed by a delicate border of individually inset mother-of-pearl blossoms, their subtle iridescence contrasting beautifully with the lacquer. Below, circular medallions contain individual carved botanical studies, surrounded by pointed mother-of-pearl inlay, a fine red border and elaborate gilt ornament.
The four panels are joined by metal hinges and terminate in handsome brass-capped feet, whose softly aged patina complements the gold decoration throughout. Dating to the mid-20th century and produced in China, the screen survives in exceptional vintage condition. The elaborate carved decoration to the principal face remains remarkably well preserved, particularly considering the delicacy of its projecting stone elements. The simpler reverse displays light signs of age and use consistent with its period, without detracting from the overall beauty or integrity of the piece.
For scale reference, the screen has been photographed in a room with a ceiling height of 3 meters. Due to the size and weight of this piece, shipping is quoted upon request.
—
Product Details
Materials: Lacquered MDF, Brass
Vintage Condition: Very Good with Light Patina
Origin & Era: China, Early to Mid 20th-Century
Total Dimensions: ca 166cm W x 182.5cm H
Panel Dimensions: 40.5cm W x 182.5cm H
Panel Thickness: 2.5cm
Curated as part of Les Thèmes ‘Nacre Interlude’ collection, August 2026.
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