Extraordinary 8-Foot Maitland-Smith 3-Panel Chinoiserie Coromandel Style Lacquer Screen

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Extraordinary 8-Foot Maitland-Smith 3-Panel Chinoiserie Coromandel Style Lacquer Screen

This monumental three-panel floor screen from the esteemed house of Maitland-Smith … Read more Extraordinary 8-Foot Maitland-Smith 3-Panel Chinoiserie Coromandel Style Lacquer Screen

This monumental three-panel floor screen from the esteemed house of Maitland-Smith is a definitive statement piece for any luxury interior. Reaching a staggering eight feet in height this screen is a masterwork of Chinoiserie art that masterfully recreates the narrative depth of traditional Chinese palace life. The intricate Coromandel-style technique involves hand-incised details into deep black lacquer which are then brought to life with a rich polychrome palette. Every inch of this screen tells a story from the delicate figures moving through the courtyards to the architectural pagodas that frame the scene. The entire composition is enveloped in a hand-painted gold-leaf border featuring protective dragon and scrolling floral motifs which are quintessential hallmarks of the high-end ornamental quality Maitland-Smith is known for globally.

About Maitland-Smith
Founded in 1979 by London antique dealer Paul Maitland-Smith the eponymous brand quickly ascended to the peak of the luxury decorative arts world by prioritizing Old World soul over modern mass production. Specialized in the sophisticated Grand Tour aesthetic Maitland-Smith is globally recognized for its mastery of rare materials and artisan-driven techniques including hand-inlaid penshell shagreen and the complex Coromandel-style lacquer incising seen in their most monumental works. By blending 17th and 18th-century European silhouettes with a bold flair for the exotic the house has become a staple for high-end interior designers who value the physical weight and intellectual depth of hand-chased brass and intricate wood carvings. This commitment to traditional craftsmanship ensures that every piece serves as a timeless anchor for a curated home bridging the gap between historical legacy and contemporary luxury.

Historical Significance
The Coromandel technique dates back to the Ming Dynasty and was highly coveted by European aristocrats in the 17th and 18th centuries. These screens were often exported through the Coromandel Coast of India which is how they earned their name in the West. Maitland-Smith was a pioneer in the late 20th-century revival of these classic Grand Tour aesthetics combining ancient hand-carving traditions with a Hollywood Regency flair. This piece represents a pivotal era in high-end furniture design where the fascination with Eastern exoticism met Western luxury standards. By owning this screen you are acquiring a contemporary heir to a storied decorative tradition that has graced the world's finest manors for centuries.

The Architectural Impact of Scale
Standing at nearly 100 inches tall this screen possesses a rare architectural scale that can visually elevate a room with standard or high ceilings alike. Unlike common five or six-foot dividers this Maitland-Smith creation functions as a vertical anchor that draws the eye upward and creates a sense of palatial grandeur. Whether used to mask a corner define an open-plan living area or serve as a dramatic backdrop for a formal dining table its physical presence transforms a simple wall into a narrative gallery.

Specifications and Dimensions
Maker: Maitland-Smith Ltd
Period: Late 20th Century
Material: Hand-Incised Wood and Lacquer
Style: Chinoiserie Coromandel Hollywood Regency
Number of Panels: 3
Height: 98 inches
Width: 48 inches total
Depth: 1 inch per panel

Condition Report
This vintage screen is in good condition and carries a beautiful aged patina that confirms its mid-to-late 20th-century origins. The lacquer finish retains a high-gloss luster and the hand-painted colors remain exceptionally vibrant across all panels. As expected with an authentic vintage Maitland-Smith piece there is honest wear consistent with age and previous placement. This includes visible surface scratches minor dents and fine crazing within the black lacquer fields. There are small areas of paint loss near the edges and hinges as shown in the detailed photography. These minor imperfections do not detract from the structural integrity of the piece but rather enhance its lived-in charm and historical feel which is often highly sought after by designers looking for soul and character in a home.

Designer Note
From a professional design perspective this screen is a total game-changer for a foyer or large master bedroom. The saturated black and gold palette provides a sophisticated high-contrast foundation that works beautifully with either modern velvet upholstery or traditional mahogany furniture. I love the idea of using this as a headboard alternative to ground a king-sized bed or placing it behind a bar cart to create an instant Hollywood Regency vignette. The scale is so impressive that it practically replaces the need for large-scale wallpaper or expensive built-in millwork. It is truly a room maker that provides instant history and artisanal luxury to a space.

Artisan Detail: The Gold Leaf Border
One of the most captivating features of this Maitland-Smith screen is the hand-painted gold leaf frame that wraps around each panel. The border is filled with intricate dragon and ruyi cloud motifs which symbolize strength and good fortune in traditional Chinese iconography. This level of peripheral detail ensures that the screen looks finished from every angle and adds a shimmering metallic quality that catches the light beautifully during evening entertaining.

This grand Maitland-Smith palace screen is a definitive acquisition for those who appreciate the intersection of world history and luxury furniture design. Its monumental scale and hand-crafted artistry make it a rare find that will serve as the crowning jewel of your collection. Secure this masterpiece today to bring the enduring romance of the Orient and the prestige of the Maitland-Smith legacy into your home sanctuary. See less