Horizontal table screen with two horses

玉屏

Jade Screens
During the Song dynasty (960–1279) a large marble or
painted screen was often placed as a back wall behind
furniture in a living room, library, or entrance hall.
Later these items were produced in smaller sizes so that
these screens could be set on a desk, table, or cabinet
in the studio. By the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–
1911) dynasties, a jade table screen, often with decoration
on both sides and resting on a wooden stand, had
come to represent the height of fashion among China's
educated elite.

清朝梮玉椧晔圖檉方屏

Of a jade screen decorated with two horses, the Qianlong emperor (reigned
1736–1795) once wrote: "Excellent horses are like beautiful jade; they are recognized
as the epitome of grace and virtue." The subject matter immediately
became very popular; this screen is an example. The decoration on its side consists
of two horses watching each other across a river. The horse is one symbol of
the essence of an energetic young male. The classical style was inspired by court
paintings of the Song court dynasty (960–1279).