Posted By: Su Sigrist
Posted Date: Jan 10, 2011 (12:04 AM)
I have a Kuan Cai (coromandel) screen, at least 100 years old. It has a very interesting detail that I haven't seen ever before. In the very center of the large screen (12� long by 8� tall), is a downward facing dragon. My understanding is that the Chinese have always considered the dragon to be a special symbol, and depicted upward facing is good luck, prosperity and happiness. I have never seen or heard of a Chinese artisan facing a dragon downward. I would think it would be bad luck, or disrespectful. The downward facing dragon in this screen is in the exact center of the piece, next to the Emperor Qian Long�s Palace. The screen is at least 100 years old.
See the link below to view the entire screen, both sides, with several pictures of the dragon in detail.
If you have any ideas on where I might find someone who can make some sense out of this detail, I would appreciate it.
Link :Kuan Cai Screen with Downward Facing Dragon at Palace
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