Monumental Lattice Spirit Screen

Single-panel standing screens have been prevalent in fine Chinese interiors since as early as the Tang dynasty (618-906) and were used to section off a room, shield against bad spirits, block incoming drafts or provide a backdrop to thrones or floral arrangements. Offering a broad expanse for decoration, these tall screens would be inset with colorful stone slabs, layered with sheer paper or stretched with hand-painted silks.

This monumental standing screen dates to the 19th century and combines the intricate beauty of Chinese woodcarving with the timeless simplicity of geometric lattice. Once lined with silk or paper, the lattice screen has been left bare, reimagined as a light and open room divider.

The square lattice panel rests in a detachable wooden stand known as a chapingfeng, richly decorated with pierced fretwork panels and wide aprons carved in low relief with floral scrollwork. Among the carved motifs are peony blossoms for beauty, sinuous dragons for power, deer and plum blossoms for longevity and a mythical Qilin for protection.

Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian Art.