Wooded Room Divider Screen

Item Description:

This is a four-panel wooden room divider screen, intricately hand-carved with floral and animal motifs throughout each panel. Each panel features pierced openwork carving with layered depth, likely created using a combination of hand tools and fine scrollwork methods. The carvings depict traditional themes—birds, flowers, and possibly deer or goats, common in East Asian decorative arts.

The panels are connected with brass or brass-tone hinges, allowing the screen to fold accordion-style. The wood appears to be a dark hardwood, possibly rosewood, elm, or teak, and it has a rich patina suggesting some age.

Dimensions & Features:

• Height: Over 6 feet
• Width: Over 6 feet when fully extended
• Material: Solid wood (likely hardwood)
• Weight: Very heavy—suggests solid construction and hardwood composition
• Design: Intricate carvings on all panels with traditional animal and plant iconography
• Condition: Good overall, with no visible breaks or warping

History & Provenance:

• Acquired at a church sale store
• Price paid: $40.00 USD
• No maker's mark or label is mentioned
• Likely Asian origin, possibly Chinese or Indonesian, based on carving style and motifs

Current Market Value Estimate (2025):

Based on comparable sales of similar high-quality carved hardwood folding screens, and assuming it's handmade and vintage (mid-20th century or earlier):

• Retail / Decorative Arts Market: $400 – $900 USD
• Auction Estimate (Regional): $300 – $700 USD
• If Antique (Pre-1940 and confirmed): Potentially $1,000+ depending on wood type, age, and craftsmanship

Note: Condition, carving depth, and wood identification would strongly influence value. If the wood is verified as rosewood or a rare hardwood, the price could increase.

Recommendation:

If you are not planning to sell but are interested in insuring or documenting it:

• Consider having the wood type professionally identified (via appraiser or antique furniture expert).
• A certified appraiser (ISA or ASA-accredited) could provide an official valuation if used for insurance or estate planning.
• Preserve it indoors, away from direct sunlight and humidity, to maintain the wood’s integrity.