Lacquer Floor Screen Appraisal

Six-Panel Chinese Lacquer Coromandel Floor Screen

This is a large, six-panel decorative floor screen featuring traditional Chinese Coromandel lacquer techniques. The screen is characterized by its deep black lacquer ground, often constructed from a wooden core covered in a mixture of glue and clay before being lacquered. The surface showcases an incised and hand-painted scene in a monochrome or light-gold palette, depicting stylized mountain landscapes, cherry or plum blossom trees, and soaring birds. Each panel is framed by an intricate scrollwork border in a matching gold-tone pigment. The folding screen is hinged with metal hardware allowing for a zigzag freestanding configuration. Given the style and finish, it likely dates to the mid-to-late 20th century, following the Qing Dynasty aesthetic popular in Chinoiserie interior design. Notable physical features include the 'textured' appearance of the background, which suggests a possible embossed leather or heavy paper application over wood, rather than traditional flat lacquer. The condition appears fair to good; there is visible surface rippling or undulating of the material on several panels (particularly the third, fourth, and fifth), which may indicate environmental humidity damage or aging of the underlying substrate. The bottom edges show minor scuffing consistent with floor contact. The craftsmanship is highly decorative, aimed at creating a grand visual impact in a large room.