Folding screen in steatite, half-height, gold finish.

We are delighted to offer for sale this Chinese export soapstone screen, extremely well crafted and highly collectible, depicting beauties of the court. A truly impressive piece, exquisitely made, with a unique finish. The main figures are all hand-carved from soapstone, expertly chosen for colour and size. The screen is finished with gilded borders, giving it the charisma of an imperial palace. The item has been thoroughly cleaned, waxed, and hand-polished. It shows signs of patina due to age and use, as well as some losses mainly on the left panel, which is reflected in the price. This screen is of half-height, meaning it was likely used for children, on a table or hung on the wall as a work of art. Dimensions: height 95 cm, width 123.5 cm, depth 2 cm. Folded width 30.5 cm, folded depth 11 cm.