twelve panels; each panel consists of central painting and three carved panels; one square panel above painting with large medallion; two panels below painting rectangular above square; small medallion in rectangular panel, smiliar design lower square panels throughout

Folding screen, late 17th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Monumental twelve-panel screens became fashionable during the Kangxi reign (1662–1722), when they served as backdrops for formal gatherings. Each of the hinged panels framed a painting or calligraphy. In this example, the panoramic scene depicts a son’s capping ceremony, his official graduation to adulthood, in the landscaped garden of an aristocratic villa. The painting combines figures with scenery and architecture. The realism and quality of detail in the painting is remarkable. There is a good deal of valuable information about architecture, costume, and accoutrements of the inner quarters. The open carving is finely finished on both sides, a rarity on large screens. Each of the upper and lower wood panels displays hornless dragons surrounding a medallion with stylized shou (longevity) characters.

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Wu Reception Hall Folding Screen (#462)
Details
Title
Folding screen
Role
Artist
Accession Number
96.124.1a-l
Curator Approved

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twelve panels; each panel consists of central painting and three carved panels; one square panel above painting with large medallion; two panels below painting rectangular above square; small medallion in rectangular panel, smiliar design lower square panels throughout