This is a magnificent example of Chinese furnishing. The best Asiatic piece of decorative art of the National Palace of Ajuda. The theme of this screen of big dimensions – twelve leaf – with the date attributed to the reign of Kangxi (1662-1722) leads us to believe that it is not the ordinary work of export furniture nor a piece for the Chinese home market but a personalized piece made to order. It is a composition rich in Chinese architecture, palace interiors and gardens, whose themes divide into two fields: masculine and feminine activities. In front, is represented a palace scene showing the everyday life of a manor house. An action enfolds itself around a character to which to pay homage. The characters on the banner indicate the presence of a Marshall (8th leaf) - these Chinese characters can show the status of the host. A border frames this scene. It has figures, objects and animals of Chinese symbolism, omens of good luck, long life, fertility, education, etc. dedicated to high dignity. In the seventh leaf is inscribed a poem, which is flanked by dragons, the imperial symbol and probably the key to this screen.
Map Of Museums
SEE ALL MASTERPIECES
OF THIS MUSEUM