Framed Vintage Chinese Six-Panel Lacquer Mother-of-Pearl Four Seasons Screen

Details

Description

A striking vintage Chinese decorative screen featuring iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay against a deep black lacquer ground. Six hinged sections are … Read more A striking vintage Chinese decorative screen featuring iridescent mother-of-pearl inlay against a deep black lacquer ground. Six hinged sections are displayed together within a substantial black frame, creating an elegant panoramic work of Asian wall art.

The left inscription panel presents the Four Seasons—Spring (春), Summer (夏), Autumn (秋) and Winter (冬). The four central panels depict flowering branches, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo accompanied by finely rendered birds, butterflies and insects. Together, these botanical subjects evoke the traditional “Four Gentlemen” of Chinese art, symbolizing resilience, refinement, integrity and longevity.

The right panel bears the auspicious characters 福, 祿, 壽 and 全, expressing blessings of good fortune, prosperity, longevity and completeness. Depending upon the angle and lighting, the natural shell inlay shifts beautifully through silver, blue, green and rose tones.

The screen is also decorated on the reverse with a hand-rendered goldfish and aquatic composition in warm russet and gold tones against black lacquer, adding further decorative interest and demonstrating the original double-sided construction.

Currently presented as framed wall art and fitted with hanging hardware. Its elongated proportions make it particularly well suited for display above a console, sideboard, desk or mantel, or as a distinctive focal point in a traditional, Chinoiserie or globally inspired interior.

Overall dimensions: 29.5"W × 14"H
Weight: approximately 11 pounds

CONDITION

Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. Light surface marks, rubbing and minor wear are visible to the lacquer, frame, reverse and backing. The mother-of-pearl decoration appears substantially intact and retains strong iridescence. The frame and hanging hardware show appropriate signs of age. Reflections visible in certain photographs result from the protective glazing and the naturally reflective, color-shifting character of the mother-of-pearl inlay; they are not defects in the decoration. Please review all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description. See less