Lot 3602. An unusual imitation rootwood reticulated table screen, Qing dynasty,18th-19th century; 69 by 40 cm., 27 1/4 by 15 3/4 in. Estimate 200,000 — 500,000 HKD. Lot sold 300,000 HKD. Photo Sotheby's.

naturalistically carved in openwork with intricate gnarled branches forming a reticulated vegetal mass, all secured within a plain hongmu frame and signed with two illegible seals, further supported on an associated separate stand, the central stretcher detailed in openwork with two confronted archaistic dragons above a simple shaped apron and bracket feet, further flanked on the braces by scrolling chilong on either side of a central post picked out with tied leaves on top, the lustrous hardwood patinated to a rich dark brown colour.

Note: Screens were movable partitions that could protect, divide, enhance and beautify a room, and as such were essential elements in the furnishings of Chinese houses. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, small screens were treasured objects on scholars' desks. The abstract pattern emanating from the random reticulation in the current screen evokes and inspires contemplation. For a discussion of screens, see Sarah Handler, Austere Luminosity of Chinese Classical Furniture, Berkeley, 2001, pp. 268-291.