Antique Chinese 19th Century Black Lacquer Gilt Polychrome Four-Panel Screen

Exquisite early 19th century chinoiserie table cabinet in black lacquer and gilt decoration. Canton, circa 1830. Extremely rare to retain most of gilt decoration in such a pristine c...

A superbly decorative Cantonese black lacquer table or jewellery cabinet, exquisitely ornamented with Oriental figures and pagodas throughout. China, Canton, Qing dynasty, mid-19th c...

A superbly decorative six-panel lacquered 'Coromandel' screen, exquisitely carved and hand-painted with oriental figures, flowers and exotic beasts on a dark brown background, in the traditional 17th century manner.  China, Canton, Qing dynasty, late 19th – early 20th century. Why we like it We like its impressive proportions which make it perfect for a feature wall, and the exquisite quality of decoration. The subtlety of colours lends a 'soft' look to the piece. The central motif depicts a scene set in the gardens of a Han dynasty palace, while the outer borders are decorated with the “one hundred antiques” motif interspersed with floral arrangements. In this regard, the present screen not only conveys auspicious meanings but also demonstrate the owner’s fine scholarly taste. History The term 'Coromandel', which is used to describe this particular type of lacquer technique (kuancai), is rather misleading. In the 18th century it was used commercially to indicate the place from which these objects were shipped to England through the East India Companies, and had no reference to China, the place of their origin. Similarly, Chinese painted wallpaper was often called 'India paper' in historic documants. The kuancai lacquer technique, literally meaning “cut out colour” and found almost exclusively on screens, emerged in the 16th century to serve the domestic market. The iconographic elements were carved through the built-up coats of dark lacquer and filled with pigments and gold. Seventeenth century examples usually consisted of twelve panels, and were often employed in entrance halls or as room dividers or windscreens for gardens and terraces. They were often commissioned as gifts and depicted court scenes, episodes from the world of the immortals, panoramic or landscape views and auspicious symbols. This type of lacquerware was flourishing during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722) and saw a revival in the 19th century. Stylistically the present screen may be compared with the twelve-panel lacquer screen from the Kangxi period in the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrated by W. De Kesel and G. Dhont in Coromandel Lacquer Screens, ill. 23, pps 36-37. Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. In the 20th century, Coromandel screens still remained a staple in the European interior design. Coco Chanel had a collection of 32 rare Coromandel screens, which she proudly displayed in her home at 31 Rue Cambom, Paris. She one...

A superbly decorative and rare set of four Chinoiserie wallpaper panels, exquisitely hand-painted with exotic birds and butterflies in the garden, on a pale pink background. Each panel is beautifully framed in a simulated bamboo frame. China, Canton, Qing dynasty, early 19th century. Why we like them The exquisite quality of decoration and the miraculous state of preservation for a decorative artwork on paper make these panels a truly rare find. The subtlety of colours, bold yet not garish, lend a 'noble' look to the piece. A superbly decorative and rare set of four Chinoiserie wallpaper panels, exquisitely hand-painted with exotic birds and butterflies in the garden, on a pale pink background. In faux bamboo frames. China, Canton, Qing dynasty, early 19th century. Why we like them The exquisite quality of decoration and the miraculous state of preservation for a decorative artwork on paper make these panels a truly rare find. The subtlety of colours, bold yet not garish, lend a 'noble' look to the piece. History Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe.  The young Prince of Wales (future King George IV) was often described as having a wildly extravagant taste in decorating his palaces. As early as 1801, the Prince had been completely taken by Oriental tastes and began to expand his existing Brighton retreat. Having been presented a gift of Chinese wallpaper, he ordered a Chinese Gallery to display the new paper. The 162-foot long room was contrived of painted glass decorated with flowers, insects, fruit and birds. The Prince's desire for additional structures in the Oriental manner resulted in commissioning the fashionable architect John Nash and the designer Frederick Crace...

An exquisitely cast and patinated bronze 'Etruscan' candelabrum in the Grand Tour taste. France or Italy, mid- to late 19th century. Why we like it We love the finest quality of cas...

A very decorative Grand Tour vase after a design by Thomas Hope, mounted as table lamp, in porcelain with matte turquoise ground and glazed classical ornaments. English, early 19th c...

A large 20th century Chinese six panel Lacquered Hardstone and Jade Coromandel screen. This screen features intricately carved hardstone, soapstone, jade, lapis, quartz, and other ha...

Exceptionally decorative set of six 18th century Qing Dynasty Chinese red and gold lacquer panels, originally from a twelve panel screen. Fortunate...

This antique Chinese screen features intricate inlaid mother of pearl goddesses. What makes this screen unusual is the grand scale of the design of the figures. The screen is lacquered in black and entirely hand painted. The reverse side of the screen is also hand painted. The screen can be used as a room divider or headboard. Coromandel lacquer screens...

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the early 19th century with this exquisite Chinese export lacquer sewing box. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this octagonal...

Antique 19th century Chinese lacquer sewing table with hand painted scenes and beautiful legs. Unique Gilt export black lacquer all-over t...

19th century golden black lacquer Chinese tea caddy with two pewters with 4 foots, the gilt body decorated with panels of landscapes, two pewters with covers, one pewter lead ring...