The wisdom in the wood

The 12-panel wooden screen, dating to the 18th or 19th century, stretches across much of a wall in the exhibition hall. It is difficult to miss, standing 3.75 meters tall. Its lower section is carved with scenes from the story of the Eight Immortals (legendary Taoist figures), along with auspicious motifs including chilong (hornless dragon-like creatures from Chinese mythology), bats and flower-filled vases.

Xu Xiaochuan, a scholar of classical Chinese furniture at the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, says the screen was likely presented as a birthday gift or intended for use during grand celebrations, and kept in storage at other times.

He explains that social hierarchies were strictly observed in ancient China, and such a large and elaborate object would have been associated with a family of considerable status and influence.