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Chinese screens: a window on the art of the literati

Writer's picture: Cabinet Gauchet Art AsiatiqueCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
4 days ago3 min read

Chinese screens, whether tabletop, scholar's or wooden, embody both aesthetic refinement and rich cultural testimony. These objets d'art, at the crossroads of practical utility and artistic research, plunge us into the twists and turns of China's thousand-year-old history. Much more than mere decorative elements, they reflect a philosophy of life in which art and nature live side by side.

Wooden screen and duanstone screen, China, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon, €102,000
Wooden screen and duanstone screen, China, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon, €102,000

The history of Chinese screens dates back to the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), a key period in the structuring of Chinese culture. At that time, large carved wooden screens were mainly used to partition spaces in imperial palaces. They offered both protection from draughts and a majestic backdrop for royal receptions. These screens were often decorated with symbolic motifs or calligraphy representing wishes for prosperity, health and family harmony.


With the advent of the Tang dynasty (618 - 907), there was a notable change. Scholars, who were erudite and influential figures in Chinese society, popularised tabletop screens. These more compact objects became intimate companions in calligraphy studios and private libraries. Unlike monumental screens, they favoured a more subtle, introspective approach, highlighting poetry, painting and philosophy. Scholar's screens symbolised the ideal of wenren, the quest for harmony and wisdom based on the contemplation of nature and intellectual inquiry.

Table screen, China, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €8,000
Table screen, China, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €8,000

The diversity of materials used to create Chinese screens testifies to the high level of sophistication of the craftsmen of the time. The frames, often made from precious woods such as zitan or huanghuali, were crafted with extreme meticulousness, using complex carving techniques. These rare species, prized for their strength and warm colour, gave the screens an aura of nobility and durability.


The central panels were true masterpieces. They featured inlays of jade, mother-of-pearl or semi-precious stones, as well as delicate paintings on silk or paper. These ornaments were much more than a simple aesthetic exercise; they carried profound meanings. For example, a screen decorated with peonies symbolised wealth and honour, while a mountainous landscape evoked calm and spiritual elevation. Every detail was carefully thought out to convey implicit messages to the viewer.


Table screen with landscape, China, Late 15th century, kept at the MET in New York
Table screen with landscape, China, Late 15th century, kept at the MET in New York

In traditional Chinese thought, screens went beyond their functional role to become imbued with a strong symbolic charge. Their presence in a room reflected a quest for balance between the opposing forces of yin and yang. Bamboo motifs, for example, were prized for their ability to embody resilience and uprightness, while clouds and rivers evoked a continuous flow, symbolising life and change.


In the context of the literati, tabletop screens played a central role as media for meditation and reflection. Placed on a desk, they formed a visual boundary between the outer space and the inner world of the scholar, encouraging a spiritual retreat conducive to artistic and intellectual creation. Their function was also to frame a perspective: that of nature, a constant source of inspiration.


Today, Chinese screens continue to be admired for their aesthetic richness and cultural significance. They occupy a place of choice in the collections of the world's great museums, and are a favourite with Asian art lovers the world over. Their timelessness lies in their ability to link past and present, through motifs and themes that still resonate with contemporary sensibilities. These objects embody a perfect fusion of functionality and artistic expression, reminding us that Chinese art has always sought to transcend the everyday.


Carved agarwood screen, Chenxiangmu, China, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795), appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €88,000
Carved agarwood screen, Chenxiangmu, China, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795), appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €88,000

For collectors and lovers of Asian art, Gauchet Art Asiatique offers first-rate in the valuation and authentication of Chinese screens. Whether antique or contemporary, tabletop or monumental, these exceptional pieces require an informed eye to appreciate their artistic and historical value.


Drawing on our extensive experience, our team offers detailed, personalised analyses based on in-depth knowledge of craft techniques and styles. Whether you wish to appraise a unique screen or a family heirloom, Gauchet Art Asiatique is committed to bringing to light the richness of your heritage.




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