Chinese Hand-Carved Rosewood Four-Panel Folding Screen

This is an impressive, heavily carved four-panel folding floor screen standing approximately 72 inches (6 feet) tall. Crafted from a dense, dark-grained hardwood consistent with Rosewood (Hongmu), the screen features a deep reddish-brown finish with a lustrous patina. Each of the four panels is divided into multiple registers featuring high-relief and pierced openwork carvings. The top 'crown' of each panel is finished with a pierced, arched pediment featuring swirling dragon or phoenix motifs. The central and lower registers are intricately articulated with traditional Chinese iconography, including vigorous serpentine five-clawed dragons amidst stylized clouds and floral elements. The vertical stiles are also fully carved with vine and leaf motifs, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship. The panels are joined by metal barrel hinges, allowing for versatile folding configurations. While the overall structure appears robust, common condition issues for screens of this age include minor shrinkage cracks in the wood panels due to humidity changes, light surface abrasions, and accumulated dust within the deep carving crevices. The style is characteristic of late 19th to early 20th-century Chinese export furniture, reflecting the opulent Qing Dynasty aesthetic.