Spirit Screen with Duan Stone

This 19th century spirit screen from Northern China is inset with a duan stone, similar to stones used to create many inkstones for calligraphy. The stand is carved with abstract clouds and auspicious ruyi symbols. Traces of its original dark lacquer finish remain and add wonderful texture and depth. Screens have been popular in China since ancient times, and over the centuries, many varieties emerged—from large room dividers to petite table screens, like this one, which may have sat in the studio of a Qing Dynasty scholar for privacy, inspiration, to block the wind or according to feng shui, to block the evil spirits from sneaking up on you.