Four-Panel Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Folding Screen

This is a significant four-panel Chinese folding floor screen, also known as a Coromandel screen, featuring a striking black lacquer finish with hand-carved stone and shell relief inlays. The screen displays a complex landscape scene across the panels, depicting celestial or aristocratic figures wandering through pagoda-dotted gardens and crossing ornate bridges. The figures, birds, and architectural elements are rendered in high-relief using various shades of soapstone, mother-of-pearl, and possibly jadeite, providing a three-dimensional effect against the dark background. Gold-painted line work illustrates rolling hills and clouds in the background, while the outer borders feature delicate floral and geometric gold stenciling. The lower tier of each panel contains a cartouche featuring 'Spring' floral motifs, likely cherry or plum blossoms. Based on the craftsmanship and material usage, this piece likely dates to the mid-20th century. Condition-wise, the lacquer retains a high gloss, though there is visible minor chipping along the hinge joints and lower edges. Some faint surface crazing is present on the black finish, which is typical for aged lacquer. The inlay appears largely intact with no significant missing elements, showing high-quality craftsmanship in the carving of the stone features.