Antique
Face Screen in paper with decoupage decoration in Chinoiserie. C1815.
This
is an unusual and rare face screen. It references Chinese symbols and it
was most probably assembled to act as an indication of the owner’s
erudition. On a sepia background, gold shapes are pasted, the details of
which are delineated in black.
In
the centre there is a vase. The vase is one of the auspicious signs on
the Footprints of Buddha, who, it was believed, was fond of flowers.
The Chinese character for vase is phonetically the same as the
character for peace making the vase a vessel for symbolism. The flower
in the vase is a peony, the Queen of Flowers. It is an emblem of wealth
and distinction, but it is also the flower of spring. It can represent a
beautiful girl and it can have erotic connotations. Legends and folk
tales were woven around the peony making it possible to bend the
symbolism to one’s own needs.
Success in all things in peace?
The
figure on the left is a scholar with his calligraphy brushes and desk.
He is instructing his obedient pupils. Knowledge necessary for peace and
success?
A
branch with green leaves is added to the background with a few strokes of
paint.
The
shape of the screen with its elaborate top suggests the roof of a
pavilion in a Chinese garden.
The
handle is elaborately turned in wood.
Origin:
UK; Circa: 1815 ; Materials: paper, wood
Size: Screen 22.9 cm
wide by 19 cm; handle 24 cm long: 9 inches wide by 7 inches;
handle 9.4 inches.
Condition:
Please refer to the photographs for details of condition.
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