Wood and jade folding screen ‘Dragons’, Qing dynasty

A finely worked table-top folding screen composed of a central piece of white jade of uniform tone, carved in lobed form. The motif depicts three archaic dragons with elongated, serpentine bodies, extended legs, heads crowned with horns and mouths open in a dynamic expression, intertwined in a play of symmetry. The scales, mane and claws are meticulously sculpted. The frame that houses the jade piece is made of wood, with a rich reddish patina and visible veins. It is richly fret worked with leiwen-like geometric motifs, scrolls and scroll finials. The base, made of the same material, has curved legs and open decoration in the form of auspicious clouds. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 17.5 x 8 x 12.5 cm