An assortment of Asian silk screens and paintings is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct Asian silk screens and paintings — often made from
fabric,
silk and
wood — can elevate any home. Find 710 antique and vintage Asian silk screens and paintings at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 30 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Asian silk screens and paintings have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Asian silk screens and paintings are generally popular furniture pieces, but
Mid-Century Modern,
Modern and
Hollywood Regency styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Asian silk screens and paintings have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by
Takakura Zaiko,
Rajhastani and
Gracie are consistently popular.
Prices for Asian silk screens and paintings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, Asian silk screens and paintings begin at $88 and can go as high as $175,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,450.
Traditional Asian paintings were often created on scrolls and folding screens. Artisans made screens that could be folded up or spread out by connecting several panels using hinges. Today, antique Asian folding screens and paintings are sophisticated decorative accents that can serve as makeshift partitions to ensure privacy.
The original folding screens were created by Chinese artists. The earliest record of screens comes from the 2nd century B.C., and surviving examples date back to the Ming dynasty. Chinese painting utilizes many of the same tools as calligraphy — these screens were crafted from wood with painted panels featuring striking art or calligraphy that told cultural stories or represented nature and life in the area.
The practice was introduced to Japan, where paintings for screens were made on paper and silk, in the 8th century. These paintings frequently feature subjects such as landscapes, animals, flowers and Buddhist religious themes. Along with screens for tea ceremonies and dance backgrounds, there were screens for use in Shinto and Buddhist temples.
In the 17th century, screens began to be imported to Europe where their popularity grew. Coco Chanel famously collected Coromandel folding screens.
Traditional Asian paintings can make a tasteful addition to any wall, and screens can be used as decoration or, in the case of larger iterations, as an aesthetic way to divide a large room. Browse the selection of antique Asian paintings and screens from a variety of styles and eras on 1stDibs.