How do I clean a lacquer screen?

Dust the panels regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent particle buildup on the sensitive surface. Avoid all chemical solvents, polishes, and excessive water which can damage the aged finish. Keep the screen away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources to prevent the lacquer from drying out, cracking, or lifting from the wooden substrate.

What is a Coromandel screen?

A Coromandel screen is a heavy Chinese folding room divider made using the incised lacquer technique. Artisans coat a wooden core with numerous layers of dark lacquer before carving into the surface to create pictorial scenes. The resulting recessed designs are filled with colours or gold leaf. These screens often feature elaborate court scenes, florals, and landscapes across multiple folding leaves.

How were dressing screens used?

Dressing screens historically provided privacy in bedrooms and dressing rooms while inhabitants changed garments or washed. Their smaller panel count made them easy to reposition around personal spaces. Over time, these pieces transitioned into purely decorative room dividers. Homeowners placed them against walls or across corners to add texture, colour, and architectural interest to an interior.

Can I use a folding screen as a permanent room divider?

These screens function effectively to zone large spaces, create intimate seating areas, or conceal utilitarian corners in a room. Their folding panels allow you to adjust the angle and footprint to suit the floor plan. Ensure the screen stands on a stable surface and do not extend the panels completely flat, as folding them in a zigzag or stepped formation provides necessary structural support.