Calligraphy screen

China
Qing Dynasty, Kangxi, first quarter 18th century
Famille verte porcelain, carved wooden frame
Total height 60 cm, total width 38 cm
Porcelain panel 38 x 25.5 cm

Set screen of a calligrapher or painter made of porcelain in a wooden frame. The very finely executed painting in the Famille Verte colour palette shows monkeys in a dramatic rocky landscape, as was fashionable from the end of the Ming dynasty to the early 18th century and found its highest perfection in the works of the Master of Rocks on blue and white Kangxi porcelain.
The rocky landscape symbolises the retreat in nature as the Daoist desired goal of the sage, the monkeys are an often repeated motif in Chinese art with manifold references and meanings, in Daoism they can also stand for longevity.
Both the choice of motif and its depiction against an empty background without additional ornamentation correspond to the tastes of the Chinese literary class of the time, who, along with court officials, were the main buyers of such objects.
The wooden frame is in good condition for its age with minor repairs.