Courtyard Lattice Panel

This early 20th century lattice window panel originated in Zhejiang province and once overlooked the interior courtyard of an aristocratic Chinese home. The geometric lattice pattern is linear and open, and was designed to allow light and fresh air to flow into a room while still maintaining privacy.

Assembling lattice was a puzzling task, created by the precise interlocking of long and short pieces of shaped wood. The latticework on this long window panel is carved with a concave cut for a beaded effect and inset slightly within a rectangular frame, creating a subtle sense of depth and shadow. Darkened by a thin layer of lacquer, the panel has fantastic character from a century of use, with a beautiful patina and finely crazed texture.