A Dutch embossed and painted leather four leaf screen 19th century

in the chinioserie manner, each rectangular panel surmounted by a basket of flowers and fruit above two baluster vases of flowers flanking a central scene depicting birds on flowering branches with peonies all on a stippled stylised flowerhead ground within studded leather borders mounted on a later ebonised wooden panel; the lower section probably formerly with a border

In overall good conserved condition. The studded leather border has some minor losses as visible from the catalogue photograph and is slightly scuffed on the base. Attractive detail to decoration.
"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 history of parcel-gilt and embossed leather panels goes as far back as the 6th century AD, when they were made in North Africa, more in particular in Ghadâmes. It is from this village that the current Spanish word for gilt-leather panels is derived:`guadamecies'. During Moorish times and in the Middle Ages this technique spread to the Iberian peninsula with the earliest records in Spain dating back to the 11th century. However, it is only from the 16th century onwards that this type of decoration became highly fashionable and new workshops were established further North. In the 18th century the centre of gilt-leather panelling shifted towards towns such as Malines in Flanders and The Hague in Holland.

The most widely used technique for executing these panels consists of wet-pressing calf skin panels in moulds resulting in a design in relief. Before the 17th century, mainly `punch' techniques were used, a technique which continued to be employed later on to carry out supplementary decorative patterns and details. The created surface was then partly covered with gold-or silver-leaf and the other areas filled in with  glazes and other tempera paints, after which the whole panels was finally treated with a tinted varnish to further protect the delicate nature of the object.

This screen is unusual as it is in the chinoiserie manner imitating Chinese coromandel lacquer screens.  A very similar 18th century screen was sold from the Doris Duke Collection, Christie's, New York, 3rd June 2004, lot 415.