Spotted Deer Table Screen

1751
$3,880 USD
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Dimensions
W: 17.0" D: 6.0" H: 32.25"
Materials
Paper
Fruitwood
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
BJH014
Estimated Shipping
$250

Also known as spirit screens, small table screens such as this 18th-century example were often used to block drafts and other intrusions in a scholar's workspace. Like every aspect of a scholar's studio, such screens were ornamented with images that inspired contemplation and added beauty to its surroundings.

This spirit screen from Nanping, Fujian province was once a simple mirror set in a carved pearwood frame. At some point in its long life, the mirror was carefully scraped away and replaced with a fragment of a fine 18th-century scroll painting. Depicting two spotted deers beneath a pine tree, both potent symbols of longevity, the fragment is beautifully painted with intricate brushwork and framed by a muted silk brocade.

Signed by artist Shen Yu, the painting was created for the mid-autumn festival in 1751 and includes a message reading "best wishes to become an official." Likely commissioned as a gift for a friend or family member, the delicate painting lives on as a storied relic of the past.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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