Chinese Wood Screen

A narrow screen panel with pierced scrolls in the middle and plain panel below.

This screen is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved elm wood. Many Chinese antiques are now returning to China through auction houses and foreign dealers, as Chinese buyers actively purchase older pieces back, which the article describes as reclaiming their heritage. Tall, narrow panel with a finely pierced lattice of scrolls and symbols in the upper half, a small carved band below, and a plain paneled base. The finish is a warm orange-brown with some darker edges. It is 17 inches long, 2 deep and 97 high.

Slim and lacy, a screen with a delicate side.