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East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A beautiful hand-carved, openwork wood screen presenting a rectangular form resembling a window divided into 9 sections, each adorned with an elaborate zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, and phytomorphic decoration. Largest of the sections, the center of the piece is adorned with a roundel featuring a noble woman. The elegant woman gazes forward from almond-shaped eyes, as she stands before an intricate lattice pattern holding a lengthy implement in her right hand and grasping the belt of her floor-length robe with her left. Her minimalist visage is crowned by an elaborate coiffure, while cloud-like spirals lie at both her sides. In the other sections, a pair of floral motifs - perhaps intended as lotus flowers - are featured above and below the roundel and the sections to the sides, each display a dancing horse. Size without hook: 23" W x 27.5" H (58.4 cm x 69.8 cm); Size with hook: 23" W x 29.3" H (58.4 cm x 74.4 cm)

The top corners are decorated with the stylized heads of dragons. Last, the bottom 2 corners are filled with flying birds holding branches in their beaks. A metal loop is featured at the top of the piece, allowing it to be suspended for display.

This elegant carving is not only replete with artistic virtuosity, but also iconographic meaning. First, dragons have traditionally symbolized auspicious powers involving control over rainfall, water, floods, and typhoons - quite apropos for the iconography of a window screen, as windows provide both a view of and protection from the elements. Though dragons represent evil in the West, in the East, dragons are mythological symbols of good luck, strength, and power as well as the seasonal cycles and the supernatural. The horse is another significant Chinese symbol, as the animal was believed to play an important role in the Chinese Empire by enabling the ancients to communicate to parties near and far due to the great speed of these noble steeds. Additionally, the horse also assisted the military to conquer distant lands and grow the empire. As the desire for stronger, faster breeds grew, the ancients imported horses from Central Asia, leading to the creation of the famous Silk Road.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-M. Kobiashi collection, Hawaii, USA, 1960 to 2000

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#168420

Some minor loosening of construction in upper corners. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina.