A LARGE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER AND GILT-PAINTED SCREEN QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the rectangular screen beautifully painted on one side in gold and accented colours depicting an elegantly plumed phoenix,  the reverse carved in cinnabar lacquer showing scholars in landscape surrounded by dense foliage with a scholar and his attendant arriving at a pavilion nestled amidst trees, and other scholars pursuing leisurely pleasures, framed by an archaistic scroll border, fitted on a openwork stand elaborately carved with floral and archaistic scrolls

A French Collection.

The overall condition is very good with only minor chips along the edges. The main panel is in very good condition.
"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 screen is an exquisite and rare example of double-sided lacquer screens, and embodies the level of expertise attained by craftsmen working in the lacquer medium during the Qing period. No comparable piece appears to have been published, although a much larger three-panel carved lacquer throne screen, decorated with figures in landscapes on one side and a gilt-painted design of peaches, bat and clouds on the reverse, in the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, is published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 202; and a pair of massive screens, lavishly carved with figures in a vast landscape within a similarly shaped and decorated frame and a black-lacquered reverse with a lengthy inscription, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31^st March 1992, lot 917.

This screen successfully combines two contrasting lacquer techniques, painted and carved lacquer. The superbly painted peacock is accentuated with subtle shades of colour, while the use of a rich red in the tail and two peonies not only add a sense of depth to the scene but also works as a compositional device by harmonising the painted lacquer scene with the bright colour of the carved cinnabar lacquer frame and stand. Equally as impressive, the intricately carved floral frame and landscape scene on the reverse are a stunning example of carved lacquer screens in their own right. A carved lacquer screen with a similar scene of scholars in a landscape on both sides, set on a stand of related form, was sold at Christie's New York, 22^nd March 2007, lot 161. For the Ming inspiration, see a wooden stand with a red carved lacquer panel depicting figures and pavilions in a landscape and a flowering branch on the other side, with a Xuande reign mark and of the period, included in the exhibition Chinesische Lackarbeiten, Linden-Museum, Stuttgart, 1979, cat. no. 29.

The phoenix is one of the four divine animals and appears only in time of peace and prosperity. It is believed that the emergence of a phoenix signifies the rise of a wise and able ruler or great man: a phoenix appeared when Confucius was born. The phoenix motif is the motif of the empress of China and is used widely to decorate her crown and clothing. In this case, the auspicious combination of phoenix and peonies suggests wealth, rank and good fortune fugui jixiang. When the king of birds is paired with the king of flowers, they incur the greatest of blessings and prosperity.