Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of Asian panel lacquer on 1stDibs. Was constructed with extraordinary care, often using
wood,
metal and
brass. Find 297 options for an antique or vintage piece of Asian panel lacquer now, or shop our selection of 1 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Your living room may not be complete without an item from our selection of Asian panel lacquer — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right choice in our collection of Asian panel lacquer, those designed in
Mid-Century Modern,
Modern and
Art Deco styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made object in our assortment of Asian panel lacquer over the years, but those crafted by
Arijian,
Dennis & Leen and
Maitland Smith are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
Traditional Asian paintings were often created on scrolls and folding screens. Artisans made screens that could be folded up or spread out by connecting several panels using hinges. Today, antique Asian folding screens and paintings are sophisticated decorative accents that can serve as makeshift partitions to ensure privacy.
The original folding screens were created by Chinese artists. The earliest record of screens comes from the 2nd century B.C., and surviving examples date back to the Ming dynasty. Chinese painting utilizes many of the same tools as calligraphy — these screens were crafted from wood with painted panels featuring striking art or calligraphy that told cultural stories or represented nature and life in the area.
The practice was introduced to Japan, where paintings for screens were made on paper and silk, in the 8th century. These paintings frequently feature subjects such as landscapes, animals, flowers and Buddhist religious themes. Along with screens for tea ceremonies and dance backgrounds, there were screens for use in Shinto and Buddhist temples.
In the 17th century, screens began to be imported to Europe where their popularity grew. Coco Chanel famously collected Coromandel folding screens.
Traditional Asian paintings can make a tasteful addition to any wall, and screens can be used as decoration or, in the case of larger iterations, as an aesthetic way to divide a large room. Browse the selection of antique Asian paintings and screens from a variety of styles and eras on 1stDibs.