folding screen

A folding screen is a piece of furniture used to divide a room into separate areas. Originating in China and Japan, possibly as early as the 12th century, these screens were often painted with vivid depictions of nature, such as animals, birds, flowers, and atmospheric landscapes, bringing the outdoors inside. Panels could feature individual paintings or a continuous design flowing across the divisions.1

In Europe, large lacquer screens were imported, and French Rococo styles incorporated pastoral themes. Art Nouveau designs were influenced by Japanese traditions, and 20th-century Western revivals included screens with Greek themes and Pop Art interpretations. The term "room divider" for such furniture was first used in 1948.12