Featured in this lot is a Four-panel, Black Lacquer Mother of Pearl, Chinese Round Folding Floor Screen. Tapered on the edge to fit the circular shape, the symbol of eternity in Feng Shui, this four-panel floor screen is exquisitely hand painted and decorated with mother of pearl to exhibit a panoramic view of a Chinese courtyard social scene in ancient times on the front panels with an eagle in flight on the reverse side. Treasured for not only its artistic quality but also its contribution in Feng Shui, according to which a rectangular room should be balanced with a prominent round object such as this round floor screen. Gold highlighted plants and trees are softly painted on both sides. The use of lacquer in China goes back traditionally to legendary times. A late Ming manuscript, the Xiushilu, states that it was first employed for writing on bamboo slips, then for utensils for food. It is made of black lacquer and subsequently for vessels for ceremonial use with black with red interiors. It has a durable finishing material used to create distinctive art objects and furnishings. This Black Lacquer Chinese Round Folding Floor Screen is in good overall condition with very slight edge scuffing and some crazing noted, but there is no other obvious marring noted. Approximate measurements are 72"L x 72"W x 1"D. Each panel measures 72"L x 18"W.*