Introducing the Qing Dynasty Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Table Screen — a masterpiece of Chinese decorative artistry. Standing as both a functional object and a work of art, this elegant screen captivates with its deep cinnabar tones and exquisitely carved scenes that transport the viewer to tranquil gardens of yore. Such items served not merely as decorative pieces but as windows into the idyllic landscapes adored by scholars of the Qing dynasty.
Dating back to the 18th or 19th century, this table screen belongs to a time of cultural opulence, emblematic of the Qing dynasty's aesthetic and philosophical ideals. Its richly detailed panels echo the period's penchant for storytelling through art, with motifs of loquacious scholars, noble architecture, and the eternal beauty of nature.
Crafted with layers upon layers of cinnabar lacquer, this screen exemplifies the atristry and meticulous craftsmanship only achievable through manual labor. Each stroke, each contour, attests to the skill of artisans who transformed lacquer into lifelike scenes. While the oeuvre remains unnamed, it likely hails from a high-quality Qing workshop, perhaps even an imperial one.
Upon close inspection, the screen exhibits a gently aged patina — subtle edge wear and minor lacquer losses remind us of the decades it has witnessed. Despite these minor flaws, its excellent condition speaks to careful preservation and enhances its authenticity.
With an authenticity score hovering around 70% — a reminder of the prevalence of skilled reproductions — this piece is enticing in its sophistication. Estimated to fetch between $8,000 and $18,000 at auction, this screen's allure lies in its potential to be more than just a replica. May your passion for timeless artistry be as enduring as its cinnabar glow.
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Item Report
Qing Dynasty Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Table Screen
清代雕漆屏风
By:Unknown (attributed to imperial or high-quality Qing dynasty workshop)
Style:Qing Dynasty Chinese Decorative Arts
Origin:China
Materials:cinnabar lacquer over wood core
Age:c. 18th-19th century (Qing Dynasty, likely mid-late period)
Condition:Very Good (mild edge wear, typical minor lacquer losses, no major cracks visible)
Value:$8,000–$18,000 (if authentic Qing period)
Maker's Marks / Writing:No visible marks, signatures, or inscriptions are apparent in the images provided.
Date:2025-07-23 03:38:12.754185
Description:
This is a rectangular Chinese table screen featuring deep red cinnabar lacquer carved in relief on both sides. The front depicts a detailed scene of scholars conversing in a garden landscape with traditional architecture, pine trees, and perennial motifs, framed by a floral scroll border. The reverse is intricately decorated with birds on a blossoming branch above peony flowers and rockwork. The stand is similarly decorated with swirling ruyi and floral patterns. Carved cinnabar lacquer screens of this complexity require many layers of lacquer and meticulous work, typical of high-quality Qing dynasty craftsmanship.
这是一件长方形的中国雕漆台式屏风，两面均有深红色剔红漆雕。正面描绘文人在庭园楼阁中的对弈、松树及多重吉祥元素，四周为花卉卷草纹边框。背面为高浮雕牡丹、灵芝石和枝头小鸟。底座雕刻卷草及花卉图案。如此复杂的雕漆屏风需多层漆涂和精细雕刻，体现清代高超工艺水平。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This table screen is an impressive example of Chinese cinnabar lacquer work, showing detailed carving typical of the Qing dynasty. The scenes depicted and the richness of the lacquer patina suggest mid- to late-Qing dynasty production, rather than modern reproduction. The carving style, depth, thematic elements, and construction are in keeping with period examples, though close examination of patina, tool marks, and lacquer stratification is always warranted due to the prevalence of skillful modern forgeries. Nevertheless, the overall craftsmanship, moderate signs of age, and sophisticated motifs are promising. A word about fakes: the field of carved lacquer is rife with modern forgeries, so extreme caution is always advised. And that's etched in Jade..!
这件台式屏风是中国剔红工艺的典范之作，其雕刻细腻、画面丰富，为清代特色。画面题材及漆面包浆显示应为清中晚期制作，整体雕工、深度、主题和结构与同期作品吻合，尽管市场上高仿赝品众多，需密切关注漆面层次与包浆自然度。此器工艺上乘，有合适的老化迹象，具备很高艺术与收藏价值。关于赝品：雕漆门类赝品极多，鉴赏时务必保持高度警惕。And that's etched in Jade..!
Individual Images:
The additional images provide useful perspectives: close-up of the landscape scene reveals fine carving and tool marks
consistent with period work; side profile displays the thickness of lacquer layers and absence of obvious tampering; the reverse with birds and flowers retains strong definition
indicating layers are not overly worn. Carved stand details reinforce period workmanship. No obvious repairs or modern manufacturing cues.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation or old collection labels evident.
Condition:
Very Good (mild edge wear, typical minor lacquer losses, no major cracks visible)
Identification Score: 95%
The form, motifs, and technical execution clearly indicate a Qing dynasty cinnabar lacquer table screen; nearly all details correspond with established typology. Identification is very certain.
整体形制、纹饰及工艺特征均与清代剔红雕漆台屏高度吻合，几乎所有细节均符合典型标准，因此判断极为准确。
Authenticity Score: 70%
The carving, composition, and wear patterns suggest a period Qing piece but not unequivocally; some surface softness and wear are consistent with age, but detailed in-hand inspection would be required to rule out sophisticated modern reproduction. There are no obvious red flags in these images, but with the large number of high-quality fakes in this market, caution is necessary.
雕刻、构图和磨损特征偏向清代老件，表面软化及使用痕迹较为自然，但须细致实物检查层次与包浆以排除高仿。图片中未见明显赝品特征，然该领域顶级仿品充斥，须保持谨慎。
Image Memory Note
The item is a rectangular Chinese cinnabar lacquer table screen comprising a rectangular carved lacquer panel set into a matching carved stand. The front side features a relief garden scene with two scholars conversing by a pine, with rocks, bamboo, a pavilion, and a background of stylized clouds and patterned ground, all framed in a floral-scroll border. The reverse presents two birds perched on prunus branches above a peony and scholar’s rock. The stand is also carved throughout with archaistic and floral patterns. Surface shows moderate wear to edges, but no losses or fractures visible in images. No visible makers' marks or inscriptions. No inventory or gallery labels present. Colors are deep reddish-orange, lacquer appears to be applied in many layers. No visible restoration.
该物品为长方形中国剔红台屏，包括一面雕漆长方板配以同花纹底座。正面为两位文人庭园松石间座谈，背景有楼阁、竹林、祥云、地坪等，四周花卉卷草边框。背面为腊梅、牡丹、灵石与两鸟，底座整体亦雕花卉卷草纹。边缘局部轻微磨损，未见裂损或大修迹象。无落款、题记或藏印。整体为深橘红色调，多层漆胎。无修补或现代贴标。
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