A Chinoiserie polychrome and gilt four-fold leather screen Probably German, circa 1720

decorated with noble ladies and children in daily activities surrounded by birds and flowers, on a gilt ground, reduced in size and remounted 

This screen with attractive designs has been conserved and remounted. It presents several repaired tears, some refreshing to decoration, small tears to leather and larger tear to fold. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The widespread fashion for Chinese objects that sweptEurope in the late 17^th and early 18^th centuries influenced not only ceramics, furniture and textiles but also the production of leather which developed in Northern Europe under Spanish influence. England, the Netherlands and the German territories embraced leather as a decorative, practical, solid and reasonably priced material and Chinoiserie screens became particularly fashionable for themed rooms in this style.

The designs for these Chinoiserie leather screens would often emulated those made of real lacquer, as in the case of the present lot which replicates designs seen in contemporary Coromandel lacquer screens, further enhanced by over-scaled flowers, which seems to be a particularly German feature.