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ID #SA1245796
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£1,085
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Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen
For sale by London City Antiques
for sale €1,269     $1,378
£1,085
London City Antiques

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
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    At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques
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Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen

19th century
Description

An impressive antique Chinese carved hardwood fire screen, dating to circa 1860, featuring exceptionally intricate dragon carvings and traditional Oriental decorative motifs.

The rectangular central panel is beautifully carved in deep relief with a magnificent Chinese dragon, its sinuous, scaled body surrounded by swirling clouds and scrolling foliage. The dragon's expressive features, finely detailed scales and elaborate flowing whiskers demonstrate the skill and artistry of traditional Chinese woodcarving.

Flanking the central panel are two remarkable openwork sections, each intricately carved with further dragons amongst scrolling foliage and cloud formations. Above, a series of carved decorative motifs sits beneath the gently curved and richly carved top rail, creating a wonderfully balanced and highly decorative composition.

The substantial hardwood frame is embellished throughout with deeply carved scrolling designs, while the screen stands on two shaped supports. The rich, dark patina and contrasting highlights to the raised carving beautifully emphasise the depth and complexity of the craftsmanship.

In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon symbolises power, strength, prosperity and good fortune. Such elaborate carvings were highly prized as decorative features in Chinese interiors, reflecting both the cultural importance of the dragon and the exceptional skills of Chinese craftsmen.

A striking and highly decorative example of 19th-century Chinese craftsmanship, this antique fire screen would make a wonderful statement piece in a drawing room, library, hallway or beside a fireplace. Equally appealing as a freestanding decorative panel, its intricate openwork carving allows it to be appreciated from a variety of angles.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition, with age-related marks, wear and a rich patina consistent with its age and character.

Measurements

Height: 88 cm (34.6 inches)

Width: 67.5 cm (26.6 inches)

Depth: 23 cm (9.1 inches)

Date: Circa 1860

Origin: China

Material: Elm

Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated this Chinese Carved Hardwood Fire Screen to the 1860s.

Independent Date Guide ID 09720572
Dealer's Item Date1860s
Sellingantiques Date1860s
Sellingantiques agingItem 115-170 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1860s:
Shrinkage margin along the inner panel: solid wood contracting naturally across the grain.
Mortise-and-tenon frame joinery: traditional cabinet work without modern mechanical fasteners.
Hand-gouge marks inside the pierced carving: done by hand rather than machine.
Softened high points on the carved dragon: many decades of dusting and handling.

This Independent Date Guide was compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. It works only from the photographs shown on this page and is never told the date the dealer has declared. It is a guide, not a guarantee of age, and occasional errors can occur.

Physical Dimensions
Height
88cm (34.65")
Width
67.5cm (26.57")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1245796
Dealers Internal Reference
3315
Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description
An impressive antique Chinese carved hardwood fire screen, dating to circa 1860, featuring exceptionally intricate dragon carvings and traditional Oriental decorative motifs.
“
The rectangular central panel is beautifully carved in deep relief with a magnificent Chinese dragon, its sinuous, scaled body surrounded by swirling clouds and scrolling foliage.
London City Antiques

The dragon's expressive features, finely detailed scales and elaborate flowing whiskers demonstrate the skill and artistry of traditional Chinese woodcarving.

fig 1. A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
fig 1. Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen

Flanking the central panel are two remarkable openwork sections, each intricately carved with further dragons amongst scrolling foliage and cloud formations. Above, a series of carved decorative motifs sits beneath the gently curved and richly carved top rail, creating a wonderfully balanced and highly decorative composition.

fig 2. A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
fig 2. Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen

The substantial hardwood frame is embellished throughout with deeply carved scrolling designs, while the screen stands on two shaped supports. The rich, dark patina and contrasting highlights to the raised carving beautifully emphasise the depth and complexity of the craftsmanship.

fig 3. A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
fig 3. Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen

In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon symbolises power, strength, prosperity and good fortune. Such elaborate carvings were highly prized as decorative features in Chinese interiors, reflecting both the cultural importance of the dragon and the exceptional skills of Chinese craftsmen.

fig 4. A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
fig 4. Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen

A striking and highly decorative example of 19th-century Chinese craftsmanship, this antique fire screen would make a wonderful statement piece in a drawing room, library, hallway or beside a fireplace. Equally appealing as a freestanding decorative panel, its intricate openwork carving allows it to be appreciated from a variety of angles.

fig 5. A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
fig 5. Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen

Condition Report

Very good antique condition, with age-related marks, wear and a rich patina consistent with its age and character.

Measurements

Height: 88 cm (34.6 inches)

Width: 67.5 cm (26.6 inches)

Depth: 23 cm (9.1 inches)

Date: Circa 1860

Origin: China

Material: Elm

Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated this Chinese Carved Hardwood Fire Screen to the 1860s.

Independent Date Report ID 09720572
Dealer's Item Date1860s
Sellingantiques dating1860s
Sellingantiques agingItem 115-170 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1860s:
Shrinkage margin along the inner panel: solid wood contracting naturally across the grain.
Mortise-and-tenon frame joinery: traditional cabinet work without modern mechanical fasteners.
Hand-gouge marks inside the pierced carving: done by hand rather than machine.
Softened high points on the carved dragon: many decades of dusting and handling.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Height
88cm (34.65")
Width
67.5cm (26.57")
Depth
23cm (9.06")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1245796
Dealers Internal Ref
3315
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2020

At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London City Antiques Profile Page

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A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
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Archive I A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.

Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen

Archive II A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet. View II
Archive III A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet. View III
Archive IV A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet. View IV
Archive V A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet. View V
Archive VI A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet. View VI
Archive VII A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet. View VII
Archive VIII A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07834 270 128
Location
The Coach House
Stutton
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP9 2SD
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jun 2020
Items For Sale 1,276
Items Sold 5,169
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: The Coach House, Stutton, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2SD, United Kingdom
Verified
Jun 2020
For Sale
1,276
Sold
5,169
A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Dragon Fire Screen
Ref: SA1245796
A freestanding dark hardwood fire screen featuring openwork dragon carvings, a central dragon panel, and shoe feet.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 3
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFire Screens
  • Period19th century
  • StyleChinese Oriental
  • MaterialHardwood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsDragon carvings, Openwork fretwork, Shoe feet, Floating panel
  • SizeH 88 cm (35 in) x W 67.5 cm (27 in) x D 23 cm (9 in)

Fire screens were introduced in European and Asian interiors during the 17th and 18th centuries to deflect intense radiant heat from open fires, shield draughts, and obscure unlit hearths while serving as decorative room accents.

Traditional Chinese screens are typically constructed from dense hardwoods such as zitan, hongmu, or rosewood using floating panels and precise mortise-and-tenon joinery without metal nails or glue.

Authentic pieces feature asymmetrical hand-tool marks within carved crevices, natural timber contraction around frame joints, legitimate surface patination from handling, and substantial material weight.

A carved screen can be placed in an unlit hearth during spring and summer months, styled atop a console table as an architectural backdrop, or positioned in an alcove as a sculpted decorative focal point.

Dust regularly using a soft-bristled brush to clean intricate relief carvings, keep the piece away from direct heat radiators to prevent wood shrinkage, and apply a light coating of natural beeswax annually.
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