A Late 19th Century Soapstone & Lacquer Four Fold Screen

A late 19th century four fold lacquer screen, the front side decorated with imaginary landscapes modelled with carved soapstone, the reverse side with painted and gilded decoration of birds and foliage.

This charming screen in lacquer and soapstone can be used as a room divider or to adorn a wall by mounting it. Folding screens of this kind originally stem from the Ming Period for the Chinese market and were also made as a European export product. Soapstone in all its colours lends itself well to ornamental carving; as can be seen in this example.