Asian Arts | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries | Message Board

Hello. I saw this really nice 3 panel Chinese wall screen in an antique shop. The shop was closed, so I'm going back on Tuesday to buy it.

In the meantime, I was hoping I someone might help with tranlating some of the writing.

Here's a link to my photos (taken with my phone, so sorry for low resolution).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/5084458294/in/set-72157625045503971/


Here's what I've been able to figure out on my own so far...

Large center panel is the 'Shou' character, inlaid with hardstone figures of the Eight Immortals with 8 precious items painted on black lacquer.

First 8 characters reads 'Fu Ru Tong (Dong?) Hai, Shou Bi Nan Shan' which is an ausicious proverb for longevity.

The next 6 characters are a mystery. I read that the longevity proverb is always followed by a happiness proverb because you would not want to wish longevity to someone without happiness. However, I would like know the exact translation.

Finaly, the left side panel has 4 vertical characters on the bottom that read 'Qianlong nian zhi'.

The quality of the piece seems pretty good, thick hardwood frame with traditional Chinese construction and thick/strong bronze hardware, but I've not seen another screen like this to compare it to.

While the figures appear to be hardstone, the Chinese characters seem to be carved from white jade.

Looking at the faces, the carving seems to suggest 19th c., but I wonder why someone would put the Qianlong mark on the panel if it wasn't of the period (same reason why Qianlong marks would put on later vases/bowls??? - out of reverence?).

I appreciate help with the translation and comments on the screen's possible age/scarcity.

Thanks.

right side is "fu ru dong hai chang liu shui" or "prosperity like the long flowing waters of the eastern sea", left side is "shou bi nan shan bu lao song" which is something like "longevity greater than the southern mountain's pines that do not age"

this screen is new, the characters are not white jade, it's got "qianlong" written there for the same reason "new and improved" are emblazoned on package labeling: to give you the impression that something exciting is going on.

Thank you very much. I read there was a 14 character verse of the Longevity Sea proverb, but could not find it on the Internet.

Double thanks for explaining the Qianlong mark....glad I did not buy this 'NEW' antique screen.

Regards,
Tim

Asian Arts | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries | Message Board