A SUPERBLY CARVED JADE INLAID ZITAN IMPERIAL SCREEN QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of rectangular form, the zitan panel finely and intricately carved in high relief with a landscape scene depicting figures in a courtyard terrace surrounded by lush vegetation including pine, paulownia, peach trees and clumps of lingzhi fungus growing from jagged rockwork, the gnarled branches and knotty trunks very well detailed, with turbulent rolling waves below and cloud swirls rising above, the figures picked out in fine detail and of a pale celadon tone, the panel set within a carved hardwood frame

The overall condition is very good with only a few minor areas that have been restored. Some of the expected age cracks have been filled-in and stabilized. There is a section of the railing in the front that has been replaced and a triangular section on the bridge (1 x 2x 2.5 cm). The jades are all original.
"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 expertly and intricately carved landscape scene in the present screen reflects the height of the vogue for carving in the Qing dynasty. The increased use of carving was associated with the widespread use of glassware at the time, when glass vessels and mirrors became increasingly popular. As a result, interiors were much brighter, providing conditions in which fine decoration on furniture could be appreciated. The Qing court's love of opulence was further manifest by occasionally inlaying imperial zitan furniture with precious materials, such as porcelain, ivory, precious stones, bamboo, coral, silver, gold, and jade.

Compare two related zitan table screens, both in the Qing Court collection, one inlaid with jade figures depicting the 'Hundred Boys', illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures from the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, no. 93; and the other decorated in jichimu wood carvings and inlaid with jade figures and cloisonné, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, no.172.