AN UNUSUAL LACQUERED WOOD AND MARBLE FLOOR SCREEN (ZUOPINGFENG) QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the swirled black and grey marbled panel set in a wide frame with a fretwork panel border, sliding into a stand with rectangular uprights joined by a large fretwork panel and with large horizontal feet joined by a scrolled slanted apron (2)

Sotheby's New York, 29th and 30th November 1993, lot 410.

There are characteristic small nicks and losses to the edges revealing the wood base. The reticulated panel on one side has a vertical split. The lower reticulated panel has a horizontal split and some loss in the center visible in the catalogue photo. The top right corner of the marble panel is mssing and there is a chip mid-way along the top edge. Otherwise in overall good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Screens were movable partitions that could protect, divide, enhance and beautify a room, and as such were essential elements in the furnishings of Chinese houses. In the Ming and Qing, screens were treasured objects on scholars' desks. The textured abstract pattern of the marble inset into this screen, evoked and inspired contemplation. For a discussion of screens, see Sarah Handler, Austere Luminosity of Chinese Classical Furniture, Berkeley and Los Angeles, 2001, pp. 268-291, particularly p. 282ff.