Chinese Coromandel Screen / Inlaid Black Lacquer Folding Screen
Storage / Room Divider (Folding Screen) · Chinoiserie / Traditional Asian Decorative Arts (Mid-20th Century interpretation of Qing Dynasty style) · Unmarked artisan workshop, likely originating from traditional craft guilds in China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangdong export workshops).
Type
Storage / Room Divider (Folding Screen)
Style Period
Chinoiserie / Traditional Asian Decorative Arts (Mid-20th Century interpretation of Qing Dynasty style)
Material
Wood core (likely Asian hardwood or pine), applied black lacquer finish, hand-carved mother-of-pearl (nacre), soapstone or jade inlay elements, and fine gold-painted linework.
Age Estimate
Mid to late 20th century (circa 1950-1980), manufactured using traditional techniques combined with mid-century export production standards.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 72 to 84 inches, width of 16 to 18 inches per panel (total 4 or 6 panels spanning roughly 64 to 108 inches wide), and depth of 1 inch. Typical size range for a standard room divider screen.
Origin
China, produced for export and domestic markets drawing inspiration from classical Coromandel and Qing Dynasty lacquerware traditions.
Designer/Maker
Unmarked artisan workshop, likely originating from traditional craft guilds in China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangdong export workshops).
Value Estimate
Estimated retail value between $1,200 and $2,500 depending on the number of panels, intricacy of the inlay work, and overall preservation condition.
Description
An exquisite multi-panel folding screen featuring a lustrous deep black lacquer background richly embellished with elaborate raised mother-of-pearl and stone inlay. The panels depict vibrant botanical scenes with blossoming peonies, delicate orchids, and elegant birds perched among branches, framed by intricate geometric gold-painted borders. At the base, miniature landscape vignettes complete the narrative. This striking piece functions both as a functional room divider and a bold statement of classic Asian artistry, casting a dramatic and sophisticated presence in any interior.
Key Features
High-gloss black lacquer finish, raised pictorial inlay using iridescent mother-of-pearl and soft-toned minerals, fine gold painted geometric framing, and multi-panel folding capability.
Color & Finish
Deep glossy black lacquer ground decorated with iridescent pastel tones of mother-of-pearl (creams, soft greens, pinks, whites) and intricate gold painted linework (chinoiserie motifs and geometric borders).
Construction Method
Handcrafted and artisan-assembled multi-panel folding screen using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, connected by brass hinges allowing multi-directional folding.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Traditional mortise and tenon frame construction with inset floating panels. High level of artisan craftsmanship evident in the meticulous carving and setting of mother-of-pearl inlay.
Wood Grain & Species
Hidden beneath heavy opaque black lacquer; the underlying wood is smooth-grained hardwood chosen for dimensional stability to prevent lacquer cracking.
Surface Treatment
High-gloss black lacquer finish applied in multiple layers with hand-rubbed polishing, featuring raised relief (peking-style or carved soapstone/mother-of-pearl) pictorial inlay depicting birds, flowering branches, and landscapes.
Upholstery Details
Not applicable as this is a rigid wooden folding screen.
Hardware & Fittings
Small brass multi-directional hinges allowing the panels to fold in both directions, typically original or period-appropriate replacements.
Origin & Provenance
China, produced for export and domestic markets drawing inspiration from classical Coromandel and Qing Dynasty lacquerware traditions.
Condition Notes
Very Good overall condition. The lacquer surface remains glossy with minor age-appropriate scuffs along the very bottom edges. Inlay elements appear secure with no major losses observed.
Interesting Facts
True Coromandel screens were named after the Coromandel Coast of India because European traders first saw them shipped from Asian ports there, though they were actually made in China.
Cultural Significance
Represents the centuries-old Asian tradition of lacquer artistry and screen-making, which heavily influenced European Chinoiserie tastes during the 17th, 18th, and 20th centuries.
Similar Pieces
Coromandel incised lacquer screens (which use a carved-and-filled technique rather than applied raised mother-of-pearl relief) and Japanese Byobu folding screens.
Care & Maintenance
Dust gently with a soft, dry micro-fiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, alcohol, or abrasives which can damage the delicate lacquer finish and pearl inlay. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent lacquer fading or cracking.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail value between $1,200 and $2,500 depending on the number of panels, intricacy of the inlay work, and overall preservation condition.
Sustainability Notes
Durable, heirloom-quality piece built to last for generations, utilizing natural materials like wood, lacquer, and shell, representing sustainable craftsmanship through longevity.