What are the styles of ancient screens?

Curved screen first appeared in the Western Zhou Dynasty and was popular in the Han Dynasty. Most of them are practical and used for temporary partition or shelter. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, screens were not only practical furniture, but also indispensable interior decoration. There are several forms of screen, including seat screen, curved screen, inserted screen and hanging screen. The screen with seat is also called hard screen, which is named after the screen foot is inserted into the base. The number of fans is odd, mostly one, three or five. The middle one is relatively large, and the number of fans in the hatchback is symmetrical. The fans are nailed together, the side ornaments stand on the teeth, and the top screen cap is placed on it. A single screen with a seat, often a large wood carving screen. Woodcarvers used to call it "landing screen". Traditionally, it is carved through the air on both sides, and it is rarely carved on one side. Curved screen is a kind of foldable screen, also called soft screen. Different from the hard screen, it does not need a base and consists of even numbers. At least two or four, at most dozens. Some are wrapped in hardwood frames, and some are wrapped in wooden frames, and the wrapped wooden frames are all light wood; The center of the screen is also different from the screen with seats. Usually, all kinds of landscapes, flowers, figures, birds and animals are embroidered or painted with silk or paper. Generally speaking, the screen with seat is heavier and the curved screen is lighter. On the display, the screen with seat is mostly in the main position in the center of the room, which is relatively fixed. Curved screens are not like this. In the court, this kind of screen is mostly located in the main hall of each palace, with thrones, long tables, incense sticks, palace hills and other things in front. In this way, people's sight is blocked by the screen behind, which highlights the display in front of the screen and creates a solemn atmosphere. Screen insertion is generally a single fan, large and small, with great differences. The big one is more than 3 meters high and the small one is only 20 centimeters. Most of the big ones are located at indoor doors. According to the size of the room and portal, determine the height of screen insertion. The role of screen insertion is similar to that of multiple screens, mainly used for wind protection and shelter, and has decorative effect indoors.

Screen hanging appeared in the early Qing Dynasty, mostly hanging on the wall, rather than painting axes. Generally, they are used in pairs or groups, such as four screens and eight screens, or a nave in the middle and a couplet on both sides. This form of exhibition was more popular in Yongzheng and Qianlong dynasties, and it can be seen almost everywhere in the palaces of emperors and queens in the court. Before the Ming Dynasty, screens tended to be practical, mainly used for shielding and temporary partition, mostly grounded, while hanging screens had been separated from the category of practical furniture and became pure decoration and furnishings.

(hanging screen)