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Description:
Ref:   166fs    http://hygra.com/face/166fs 

Antique Face screen  decorated in penwork Chinoiserie. C. 1820
One side  is decorated with one of the classic penwork  Chinoiserie scenes: a camel train accompanied by horses and traders. The turned screen  handle is also has  penwork decoration.

On one side two figures, one with a parasol  stand on a piece of land. A man sits. The inspiration for this is probably the famed “floating islands” in Chinese gardens referred to in travellers’ accounts. The flowering tree is a botanical oddity, as are the tiny palms and the huge daisy. 

But then Cathay (the East) is full of miracles.

Origin: UK ;  Circa: 1820 ; Materials: wood maple sycamore.

Size:  Screen  26.2 cm wide by 19 cm; handle 21 cm long:  10.3 inches wide by  7.5 inches; handle   8.3 inches long.

Condition:  Please refer to the  photographs for details of condition.

Keywords: Hygra.com, Penwork, Antique box, Antique Face Screen, fan, fire screen, Cathay

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It is interesting to compare the lively expression and movement with the calm nonchalance of the camel. It is as if he/she is carrying the wisdom of the universe on her back and not just a person.  The camel walks on as thousands of camels have walked through the ages. It must have been such a wonder for the English person who drew this scene to immerse his /her mind into this aspect of oriental life.

The camel is dressed in exotic fabrics and wears a magical  head ornament. It also carries a tent made of ornamental cloth. A foot is just visible hinting at the person carried on its back. The horse and rider behind are more down to earth, providing and providing protection as are the attendants dressed in exotic costumes.

The scene is framed by stylized flowers, the top accounting for the empty space on top of the figures, filling the gaps with flora. 

One side  is decorated with one of the classic penwork scenes: a camel train accompanied by horses and traders. 

There is another version of this scene on the front of a tea caddy documented at:

 /penwork/pen2tc.htm 

 

On one side two figures, one with a parasol  stand on a piece of land. A man sits. The inspiration for this is probably the famed “floating islands” in Chinese gardens referred to in travelers’ accounts. The flowering tree is a botanical oddity, as are the tiny palms and the huge daisy. 

But then Cathay (the East) is full of miracles.

The finely turned handle is also decorated with penwork. 

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