Imperial Chinese screen for sale in London

Bonhams Fine Chinese Art sale in London is auctioning on 15 May a remarkable Imperial Chinese twelve-leaf screen containing 64 impressive porcelain panels illustrating tales from Chinese mythology.

The piece, which may have graced an Imperial throne room, is estimated to sell for £800,000 to £1.2m.

Such screens, often used as backdrops to thrones, were made of precious materials like zitan and huanghuali woods, cinnabar lacquer, gilt on black lacquer and embellishments with porcelain panels, hardstones, and cloisonné and painted enamels.

“The rare screen is a statement of Chinese Imperial art at its zenith demonstrating Qing dynasty master-craftsmanship. As it was made for a Qing Palace, no cost was spared in its production making use of the finest materials and artisan skills”, Director of Chinese Art, Asaph Hyman said.