This elegant early 20th-century Chinese export screen is a striking example of traditional black lacquer artistry created for the Western market. Decorated in rich gilt tones against a deep black ground, the front presents a lively and highly detailed scene of children at play within a stylised garden landscape. Such imagery—often referred to as “One Hundred Children” scenes—symbolises prosperity, happiness, and continuity of family lineage in Chinese culture.

Each of the four panels is carefully composed, with intricate vignettes framed by soft, cloud-shaped reserves. The lower sections feature finely rendered mythical snow lions, adding a sense of movement and auspicious symbolism. The delicate crackled lacquer surface enhances its character, revealing the passage of time and lending a beautiful patina that only age can achieve.

The reverse is more restrained yet equally refined, decorated with scattered gilt motifs—floral medallions, scholar’s objects, and auspicious symbols—floating across the dark lacquer ground. This dual-sided design makes the screen highly versatile, allowing it to be positioned as a room divider or decorative backdrop from either side.

A timeless decorative piece, ideal for adding depth, narrative, and an unmistakable sense of history to an interior.

Origin: China (Export Market)
Date: Circa 1920
Materials: Wood with black lacquer and gilt decoration
Design: Four-fold screen with hand-painted and gilded scenes of children at play
Motifs: “One Hundred Children” scenes, mythical snow lions, and auspicious symbols
Reverse: Decorated with scattered traditional Chinese motifs
Condition: Age-related wear with characteristic crackle to lacquer, enhancing its antique appeal
Dimensions: W158 x D2.5 x H183 cm approx
Per panel W41 x D2.5 x H183 cm

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Chinese Export Black & Gilt Lacquer Four-Fold Screen – Circa 1920