A BEIJING ENAMEL TABLE SCREEN QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, finely painted on one side in bright 'famille-rose' enamels with a pair of egrets frolicking in a lotus pond, the full-petalled blooms and large lotus pads growing from long, slender stems with an ear of millet and small blue and pink daisy flowers, inscribed to one side with a six-character inscription followed by two seals, the reverse with an idyllic pastoral setting of European figures engaged in leisurely pursuits amid European-style buildings and churches, set within a carved hardwood frame

There are some very minor characteristic crackling to the enamel on both sides on the screen. There is also some loss to the black enamel, particularly to the hats of the European figures. The overall condition is very good.
"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."

It is rare to find double-sided enamel screens with the unusual combination of the soft colouring reminicent of European watercolour painting on the European landscape side, and a Chinese theme on the reverse.  Probably the closest related examples to the present lot are enamelled vessels that combine bird and flower panels alternating with finely painted landscapes in ruby-coloured enamels enclosed within panels.  See two covered bowls in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Metal-Bodied Enamels, vol. 43, Hong Kong, no. 202 and 208.  Also see a related enamel and repousée panel sold in these rooms 9th October 2007, lot 1542 and two other ones in op. cit.. nos. 234 and 235. 

The inscription reads: Tuifeng xiankan shui zhong ou, ''Gently pushing aside the lotus pad allows one to leisurely watch the egrets swim upon the water.'

The egret (lu), lotus (lian), and reeds (lu), form the homophone for 'May you pass your exams every way' (lulu lianke).