Celadon Jade Circular Table Screen, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

A carved celadon jade circular table screen Qing Dynasty, 19th century, (2), one side with undercut detailing depicting two boys standing on a rocky ledge beside a pine tree growing from a high cliff to the side, and with a pavilion set on a rocky promontary above with further pine trees growing nearby, the distant mountains rising to ribbon-like clouds, the reverse with a blossoMing prunus tree with gnarled trunk growing beside rockwork and leafy plants sprouting from the fissures, the stone of pale greenish tone with paler mottling and slight russet suffusions, fitted wood stand, (2), 18.6 cm diameter. Screens such as the present example largely developed in the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty when pieces of high quality jade became more accessible. They were important decorative objects for the scholar's studio. Considered the equivalent of paintings in stone, jade table screens depict scenes from classical literature, Daoist tales and idyllic moments in nature. The screens were displayed on stands allowing natural light to illuminate the carved features and transport the viewer into the tranquil landscape depicted.