A Large Chinese cinnabar screen and painting. Masterfully carved from hundreds of thin layers of vermillion red-orange lacquer in rectangular form. The front panel deftly carved depicts scholars within waterside landscape. The background of this image displays a tranquil body of water beneath misty mountainous scenery, all set against triangular geometric patterns. Gilt over carving of themed title poem displayed on upper left corner. Alternately in verso, shows flower blooms painting along with calligraphy inscriptions and artist signature seal, matted on silk. Displayed upon a stand formed by two thick scrolled feet, from which rise vertical posts flanked on either side. The apron adorned with archaic scrolling dragon jade inlaid. Measurements: Height: 20 1/2" Width: 20 1/4" Depth: 9 1/8" LOT NOTES:Cinnabar is an orange-red mineral of mercury (mercuric sulfide). It has been associated with alchemy and magic in both China and Europe from the earliest times. This is because when heated it gives off hydrogen sulfide and produces shiny, liquid metal - mercury - as if by magic. In China this transformation suggested properties connected to immortality, so some Emperors may have been poisoned by taking cinnabar elixirs (as mercuric compounds are poisonous). The Elixir of the Immortals 仙丹 Xian dan was also said to contain cinnabar. Many European alchemists believed all metals were made up of a mixture of cinnabar and sulfur. The English name comes from the Persian name Zinjifrah ‘dragon’s blood’. In Daoist belief there is a cinnabar zone just below the navel that is a key location in meditation. The rich orange-red color of Cinnabar was used to make the vermillion ink which was used solely by the Emperor. Cinnabar used to provide dye for the red wax used for making the ‘chop’ (seal) marks on almost all old documents and paintings. When added to lacquer it makes the characteristic red color for intricate lacquer-work . The color is similar to the bark of the Cinnamon and Cassia trees.