A Chinese six-fold double sided lacquer screen, Qing Period Second half 18th century

decorated to both sides with raised gilt figures within a landscape, losses

John Cornforth, Chatsworth, Derbyshire VIII, Country Life, August 29 1968, p. 500;
John Cornforth, Early Georgian Interiors, Yale, 2004, p. 43, illustrated in the Private Dining Room

Probably origianlly twelve panels. The remaining panels vary in condition. All of the lacquer is flaking and there are losses to each panel. The panel to one end has significant damage and losses. There has been an attempt in some areas where there have been losses to conceal the damage using black and gold paint. A very decorative and high quality screen which deserves full restoration.
"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."

Photographed in the Gold Drawing Room, now the Private Dining Room, Chatsworth, during the 20th century

This screen is of a type that was made in China and imported into London through the East India Company during the late 17th and early 18th century. Some examples were up to twelve panels and it is probable that this screen was originally larger. There are a number of screens in the 18th century Inventories of Chatsworth but as the descriptions are not explicit it is impossible to be precise as to its history.

Cabinet makers frequently imported this type of screens as a source of lacquer veneers. As early as 1688 in John Staker and George Parker's Treatise on Japanning and Varnishing it is noted: Some who have made new Cabinets out of Old Skreens; and from one large old piece, by the help of a joyner make little ones such as stands or tables, but never consider the situation of their figures, so that in these things, so torn and hacked to joint a new fancie, you may observe the finest hodgpodg and medley.... In 1773, Thomas Chippendale supplied Edwin Lascelles with a commode faced 'with your (Lascelles) own japan' (cf. Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 2 vols., 1978, vol.I, pp.115-6, vol.II, p.122, fig.215). Lascelles' screen which was sacrificed to produced this piece of furniture evidently bore some resemblance to the current lot as a comparison of the doors of the commode and the scene on the present screen bears witness. Other examples are illustrated in Margaret Jourdain & R. Soame Jenyns, Chinese Export Art in the Eighteenth Century, 1950, p.80, including another suriving screen similar to the present lot which is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.