Art Deco Style Six-Panel Silver Leaf Crane Screen, Hong Kong, Circa 1980

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Art Deco Style Six-Panel Silver Leaf Crane Screen, Hong Kong, Circa 1980

Art Deco style six-panel, double-sided screen or room … Read more Art Deco Style Six-Panel Silver Leaf Crane Screen, Hong Kong, Circa 1980

Art Deco style six-panel, double-sided screen or room divider, made in Hong Kong circa 1980. Constructed with brass hinges, the screen combines relief carving, lacquer, heavy silver leaf, and polychrome decoration. Ten stylized cranes occupy the front, while a colorful Chinese bird-and-bamboo composition decorates the reverse.

The cranes are carved in relief, giving their bodies, elongated necks, and articulated plumage depth against the lustrous silver-leaf ground. Cream, gray, black, and reddish-brown polychrome details define their feathers, eyes, beaks, and slender legs. Most stand upright, establishing a measured rhythm across the panels, while one bends forward to introduce movement within the group.

The generously applied silver leaf creates a richly textured, reflective background beneath the glossy lacquer finish. A scalloped lower edge separates the silver field from black lacquer decorated with curling water patterns and green reeds. The contrast of metallic surfaces, sculptural birds, and linear ornament recalls Art Deco interpretations of Asian decorative art. In Chinese imagery, cranes traditionally symbolize longevity and faithfulness.

The reverse features green bamboo, colorful long-tailed birds, smaller birds in flight, and polychrome rock formations against black lacquer. Both sides are fully decorated, allowing the screen to function as a freestanding room divider, dressing screen, or decorative backdrop.

The graduated panel heights form a symmetrical, stepped arch, descending from the central pair toward the outer panels. Six broad, sculpturally shaped feet complete the base. Brass hinges allow the panels to fold for placement and transport. A “Made in Hong Kong” label is retained.

Dimensions: Approximately 97 W × 84 H × 1.5 D inches. Each panel is 16 inches wide. Central panels: 84 inches high; adjoining panels: 80 inches; outer panels: 76.5 inches. Feet Measure - 11.5 W × 3 H inches.

Folded: Approximately 84 H × 16 W × 6 D inches. See less