Hand Painted 19Th Century Chinoiserie Wallpaper Screen

Gouache on textured paper. The wallpaper laid on wooden panels (to both sides) and mounted as a double sided three fold screen. The screen circa 1900, the wallpaper earlier, circa 1850. 170cm x 162cm.

Exceptionally decorative and extremely rare Chinoiserie screen featuring a beautifully painted repeat pattern of peacocks among flowering magnolia. A very similar hand painted wallpaper can be found at Errdig Hall in Wrexham and this piece was likely created for a similar grand country estate. (A later printed version of the paper at Errdig, dated to 1900, can be found in the book Borrowed Landscapes, fig 138). 

Being cleverly hinged, with hinges at the top and bottoms of the panels rather than joined in the centre, gives the screen a great deal of flexibility, the end panels have full range of motion. Combined with the unusual fact that both sides feature the peacock design (rather than a plainer backing) makes this an astonishingly versatile and attractive room divider, just as beautiful from whichever side it’s viewed from. On one side, the wallpaper has been laid with all the elements of the design at the same height, giving a uniform look, with two level rows of peacocks across the three panels. The other side is more dynamic, with the peacocks arranged in a striking diagonal.

Condition:

Structurally sound, the hinges and frame are solid and intact. Minor signs of wear and age to the wooden frame, a couple of small abrasions to the paintwork. To both sides, there is evidence of old water damage/tide marks. Some minor surface damages to the paper. These do not detract and the piece presents beautifully from both sides. Please see images, and particularly the video for detailed condition. More images available here

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