Silk Embroidery - 'Blue Phoenix' winter-sale The Chinese used decorative screens

The Chinese used decorative screens - either lacquered and painted or carved - from early on as a means of providing privacy

The colourful butterflies on the doors are framed on the outside with flowers in gold

with space inside for tidying away toys and games

pure look that belies the cabinet's age

They later became more common but were still reserved for the most important visitors members of a household

Silk Embroidery - 'Blue Phoenix' winter-sale The Chinese used decorative screensThis unusual embroidery is a replica of the embroidered badges used to embellish the garments of Chinese officials and their spouses. It is hand stitched using high quality silk and is sold mounted and framed as shown. The intricate design features a phoenix in silver and blue, which is a traditional symbol for peace and prosperity in Chinese culture and used to symbolize the empress, representing beauty and grace.