Antique Red Porphyry Column Socle, Egyptian or Roman Imperial Porphyry

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.  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...

19th-Century French Ormolu Candlesticks with Antinous Figures in Egyptian Revival Style on Turquin Blue Marble Bases. Circa 1810. A rare and desirable model. Why we like them This ...

An extremely rare and unusual 18th century red lacquer presentation box, intricately gilt-decorated with immortals, auspicious symbols and poetry. Canton, Qing dynasty, circa 1760. ...

An exquisite 18th century George II kettle stand or wine table in the Chippendale 'French' taste. England, circa 1760. Why We Like It We love its s...

A Pair of Miniature Bronzes of Roman Busts On Marmore Nero Columns In the Manner of Georges Servant After the original models exhibited at the Paris ex...

This taxidermy African Zebra Head is a truly impressive piece that captures the beauty and majesty of this iconic animal. Mounted on a white washed wooden rustic column pedestal, thi...

A taxidermy red patas or hussar monkey (Erythrocebus patas) Mid 20th century, including CITES H. approx. 40 cm Provenance: Private collection, the Netherlands The patas monkey lives in multi-female groups...

The pair of obelisks with gilt lion faces on front base and gilt lion paws at corners, signed indistinctly. Rome dated 1893.