Antique Belgian Painted and Tooled Leather Screen

Stunning 18th century antique Belgian folding gilt, painted and tooled leather screen from Mechelen. Mechelen was a major European production center of this craft, also known as "cordwain", a derivation of the place name, Cordoba in Spain where this leather work originated. This craft more or less died out in the second half of the 18th century and very little remains, mainly chair coverings and screens. The gilt effect was produced by covering the leather in silver foil and applying varnish producing a golden surface which was then printed and painted in different colors. This screen is a superb example of this art and is in very nice fully restored condition. The detailed photos show the back of the screen which could be upholstered in a fabric of your choice. Belgium, 18th Century.