A fine and large Anglo-Dutch six-fold painted embossed leather screen late 17th / early 18th century

the decoration including exotic birds of paradise, oriental motifs and foliage on a black ground, the end folds and upper and lower borders with a gilt ground, the reverse painted scarlet

Acquired from Ciancimino, London

Very decorative and in excellent conserved condition. The reverse redecorated with red painted and all former tears repaired and with isolated areas of re-lining. Traces of worm to the end of each wooden support.
"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."

There is a screen in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (cat. no. W.69-1928) that is worthy of comparison. Its maker also looks to the East as source of inspiration, featuring bold oriental motifs heightened with gilt. Also see a screen decorated with birds and foliage formerly in the collection of Halstad B. Vander Poel and supplied by Vernay, New York, sold Christie's, New York, 8 April 2004, lot 166. These impressive and very decorative screens form part of a group whose craftsman cleverly utilised embossed leather, long a source of wall covering for the very rich, to emulate the highly prized lacquer being imported from Asia from the end of the 17th century.

For comparison see Janet Woodbury Adams, Decorative Folding Screens, London, 1982, p. 49 and Michael Komanecky, The Folding Image, Yale, 1984, fig. 12, p. 26