Paintings and Screens
Early 20th Century Balinese Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Cotton, Paint
Late 19th Century Korean Folk Art Antique Paintings and Screens
Brocade, Silk, Wood
Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Paper
Late 19th Century Korean Folk Art Antique Paintings and Screens
Brocade, Silk, Wood
Late 19th Century Korean Folk Art Antique Paintings and Screens
Brocade, Silk, Wood
20th Century American Chinoiserie Paintings and Screens
Silver Leaf
1950s Indian Folk Art Vintage Paintings and Screens
Silk
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Silk
19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Paintings and Screens
Silk
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Paintings and Screens
Hardwood
20th Century Canadian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas
20th Century Canadian Folk Art Paintings and Screens
Canvas
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Paintings and Screens
Wood
Late 20th Century Taiwanese Chinoiserie Paintings and Screens
Wood, Paint, Paper
Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Paintings and Screens
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Paintings and Screens
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Paintings and Screens
Soapstone
1970s Chinoiserie Vintage Paintings and Screens
Hardwood, Lacquer
1960s American Chinoiserie Vintage Paintings and Screens
Bronze, Enamel, Pewter, Gold Leaf
20th Century American Chinoiserie Paintings and Screens
Paint
Antique Asian Paintings and Screens
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.