Carved Rosewood Silk Embroidery Frame (Hanging Wall Screen)
Other: Framed Wall Decor / Decorative Screen · Chinoiserie / Late Qing or Early Republic Style (influenced 20th century production) · Likely an artisanal workshop in Suzhou or Guangdong, China; often produced for the export market or high-end domestic decor.
Type
Other: Framed Wall Decor / Decorative Screen
Style Period
Chinoiserie / Late Qing or Early Republic Style (influenced 20th century production)
Material
Rosewood (primary), silk, glass, paper-backed fabric matting, and internal mounting wire.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990 (Late 20th Century Revival Style).
Dimensions
Height: 24 inches, Width: 18 inches, Depth: 1.5 inches. Compact to mid-sized for traditional wall art.
Origin
China; common in regions known for traditional needlepoint such as Suzhou.
Designer/Maker
Likely an artisanal workshop in Suzhou or Guangdong, China; often produced for the export market or high-end domestic decor.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 (Retail/Secondary Market). Value is driven by the quality of the embroidery more than the frame itself.
Description
An elegant rectangular wall frame featuring a 'frame-within-a-frame' design. The dark wood is punctuated by delicate hand-carved openwork corner motifs that lend a sense of lightness and architectural interest. At its center is a fine silk embroidery depicting flowering vines and calligraphy, representing traditional Chinese scholarly aesthetics.
Key Features
Pierced fretwork corners, double-frame layered construction, calligraphic inscription, and traditional silk needlework.
Color & Finish
Deep dark mahogany or 'Hongmu' stain with a high-gloss lacquer finish. Silk features green and Ivory tones.
Construction Method
Hand-carved decorative corner fretwork joined to a double-mitered frame; professional gallery-style mounting for the embroidery.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mitered corners with likely hidden dowels or tongue-and-groove; intricate fretwork scrolls carved from solid wood blocks and integrated into the frame corners.
Wood Grain & Species
Likely Zitan or Rosewood (Dalbergia species) characterized by dense, tight grain often obscured by dark stain and high-build lacquer.
Surface Treatment
High-gloss lacquer finish over carved wood; the 'Ruyi' or cloud-style fretwork is sanded smooth before finishing.
Upholstery Details
N/A; Internal embroidery consists of Su-style or Xiang-style silk needlework on a white silk ground.
Hardware & Fittings
Hidden recessed wall mounts on reverse; no visible exterior hardware, typical of minimalist Asian framing.
Origin & Provenance
China; common in regions known for traditional needlepoint such as Suzhou.
Condition Notes
Good condition; wood finish appears intact with no visible sun-bleaching. Frame joints appear tight. Grade: Very Good.
Interesting Facts
The embroidered character '菊' refers to the Chrysanthemum, which in Chinese culture represents nobility, longevity, and the autumn season.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Four Gentlemen' ethos in Chinese art, where specific plants symbolize human virtues. These frames were popular export items in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Similar Pieces
Japanese Kakemono (hanging scrolls) or Coromandel screens. Distinguishable by the rigid wood framing and glass protection.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent silk fading. Clean wood with a dry microfiber cloth; avoid wax or oils that can build up in the carvings.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 (Retail/Secondary Market). Value is driven by the quality of the embroidery more than the frame itself.
Sustainability Notes
Traditional wood construction is durable and long-lasting; however, rosewood involves restricted species (CITES), making vintage pieces more eco-friendly than new ones.