A FINELY CARVED HARDWOOD AND JADE-INLAID FIVE-PANEL TABLE SCREEN QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of the three central rectangular panels inlaid to the front face with gilt-painted jade panels between smaller panels at the top and bottom (some now missing), flanked by carved wood panels enclosing a central shou character encircled by four bats and ruyi-head clouds, surmounted by an elaborate superstructure deeply carved with bats and the bajixiang amidst dense cloud scrolls and with similarly carved spandrels projecting from the sides of the end panels, all supported on a stand raised on short ruyi-shaped feet and carved with ruyi, floral and lotus-lappet bands

From a European noble family acquired in China in 1900 and hence in the family by descent.

The screen is missing the left vertical rectangular jade panel and four of the smaller rectangular horizontal jade panels. The top left small carved wood panel is also missing. There is areas of water staining to the front panels and there is a vertical split to the second panel from the left to the back. There is a (3cm by 0.5cm) area of damage to the area above this panel to the left.
"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 present piece derives from the large screens employed for decorative use in large rooms of the elite and behind the thrones of emperors. Smaller screens were valued as aesthetic objects for the scholar's studio, and were often decorated with a variety of motifs that denote good fortune and pleasure. The combination of inscriptions with floral compositions on the jade panels of the present piece parallel paintings and woodblock prints of the late Ming and early Qing periods; compare a table screen of simpler form but inlaid with sixteen rectangular panels of jade, similarly decorated with delicate inscriptions and line drawings, but of arhats, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 170.

For a large zitan five-panel screen of similar shape, but carved with bats, chime stones and double-fish, and fitted with enamel panels depicting an auspicious scene of birds in a landscape, see one included in the exhibition Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court, Palace Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1987, cat. no. 90.