An impressive embroidered silk and ivory-inset carved wood four-panel screen late Qing dynasty

the ivory silk ground of each panel embroidered in coloured silks with many different species of birds in pairs, including peacocks, quails, roosters, song birds, cranes, eagles, doves, pheasants, parrots and a phoenix, interspersed with butterflies, all in flight or perched in a setting of trees including maple and pine, and flowering plants, including peonies, prunus, chrysanthemum and lilies growing beside ornamental rockwork, the hardwood frames inset with differently shaped ivory panels each intricately carved in relief on pierced diaper grounds, some depicting figures in pavilion gardens, others of blossoming branches and others of fish and crustacea, the similarly inset wood crests and lower panels carved with openwork flowers and foliage

4
each panel 184 cm high, 59 cm wide

• Lot Sold $70,000 (Hammer Price)
• $85,400 (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)

Provenance

Private Collection, Queensland
Private Collection, Queensland by descent from the above
Philips , Melbourne, 6 December 2015, lot 88
Private Collection, Sydney

Condition Report

Some general wear and some fading to colour consistent with age. Panel with phoenix - some damage to the silk at the left edge for approx 24 cm, and on right edge approx 10 cm, a small tear in silk below the upper frame and a small stain. Panel with peacock - a thin dark line running inside the left edge for approx 36 cm. Some ivory insets a little loose. One ivory plaque on the crest with a small repair on the right side and two with minor cracks over the raised outer border. The second panel from the left has one plaque probably replaced on the lower left side. Some plaques with traces of glue from attachment.

Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's Australia is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Saleroom Notices regarding this sale. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS.

CONTACT INFORMATION +

Specialists
	Guy Cairnduff Head Arts & Design Melbourne  |  Sydney T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Guy Cairnduff		Geoffrey Smith Chairman Australian & International Art Melbourne  |  Sydney T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Geoffrey Smith
	Ann Roberts Consultant Specialist, Asian Art Arts & Design Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Ann Roberts		Anthony Hurl Consultant Specialist Arts & Design Adelaide T: +61 (0)8 7225 7836 E: Anthony Hurl
	Brett Ballard Senior Specialist Australian & International Art Sydney T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Brett Ballard		Fiona Hayward Senior Specialist Australian & International Art Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Fiona Hayward
	Marlene Cartlidge Administrator Arts & Design Melbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Marlene Cartlidge		Gary Singer Chief Executive Officer Australian & International Art Melbourne  |  Sydney T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Gary Singer