There are many styles of screens, most of which are divided into hanging screens, table screens, insert screens, surround screens, and seat screens.
Hang screen
This type of screen appeared in the early Qing Dynasty. Most of them were hung on the wall instead of scrolls, purely as decorations. Generally used in sets, four panels are called four-panel screens, and eight panels are called eight-panel screens; there are also ones with one panel hanging in the middle and couplets hanging next to it. This kind of furnishings was extremely popular during the Yong and Qian dynasties, especially the wood-carved screens found throughout the palaces of emperors and concubines. Before the Ming Dynasty, screens that were mainly practical were used as Kang screens, table screens, etc., but hanging screens were different from them in that they had broken away from the scope of furniture and directly became decorations and furnishings.
Table screen
The shape of the table screen is the same as the single-fan seat screen but smaller. It is a small screen often placed on tables for display and viewing. The screen center Common ones are marble and inlaid porcelain tiles. The screens placed next to the inkstone are mostly made of jade, stone, and lacquered wood. The table screen includes a stand and a framed screen surface connected to the nail. There are patterns on the brackets, and on the screen there are text and screens similar to beautiful mountains and rivers or figures and Buddha statues.
Insert screen
This is the collective name for ordinary screen fan, seat screen and inkstone screen. It is generally a single fan, mostly with reliefs. Sizes vary. The large one is placed indoors as a door, and the height is determined according to the size of the room and the door; the small one is only 20 centimeters. Its function is similar to that of a multi-seater screen, mainly for wind protection and shielding, but also for decoration. This type is better if it is double-sided. If the content is landscape, the scenery is more beautiful. It can broaden the horizons and make people feel comfortable.
The materials used to make screens generally include bamboo carvings, blue and white jade, red sandalwood, inlaid porcelain plates and various precious woods.
Fence screens
are foldable Multi-leaf screens, so they are also called folding screens, are composed of four, eight or twelve single leaves. There is no seat screen and it is in a jagged shape when placed. Also known as "folding screen". The decoration methods of the screen core generally include plain paper decoration, silk decoration and solid core decoration, and are combined with calligraphy, painting, carving and inlay techniques.
Seat screen
It has a base but cannot be folded. In ancient times, it was often used as a barrier behind the seat to show noble status. Later, they were placed at indoor entrances, especially in buildings with larger indoor spaces. Large screens were often seen at the entrance to block people's sight, which are the so-called "ground screens". It has three-leaf and five-leaf styles, and also has a single-leaf screen and a removable base. It is generally called "mountain-shaped", "five-leaf" and "insert-screen" base screens.