Chinese Screen

Jim Y'all Cole place photos of this screen on the Show Page:
http://alan.net/prgshow/index.html




Y'all

I am posting these pics in hopes that some of the group can give me some
back ground on this piece..  I would like to know it's age and value and any 
other comments you care to make..  I would also like a translation of the 
chinese on the back and  on the porcelain.

This piece measures 76 3/8 X 49 1/8 overall, 
the center frame is 57 1/4 X 41 1/2,
the porcelain insert is 28 3/8 X 44 7/8.

The wood is mahogany.  The frame is made-up with inserted carving
between the inner and out solid rails and stiles.  The grain of the
carvings is mostly vertical to align with the inner and outer stiles.  
I have found 67 breaks in the carvings, see the last  pic, ranging from
hairline to 2".   I think there are several causes of these breaks: the left 
outer stile is twisted about 2 degrees  for the upper 1/3 of its length, 
shrinkage of the wood, and the weight of the porcelain insert
(it's about 60Lbs.).

I plan to repair the carvings putting in new wood as necessary then
shellac it and polish to match.. I also plan on adding vertical support
that will  run from the bottom of the inner frame to the floor to hopefully 
prevent further sagging from the weight and minimize future damage.  
This support will be almost entirely hidden by the carvings and will be 
designed so that it can be easily removed.

Jim Cole





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