The elegant Chinese pingfeng (folding screen) is an ancient invention that is an essential part of traditional Chinese furniture.
The earliest common use of the pingfeng dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). The term pingfeng means protection from wind，which suggests the original purpose of the pingfeng was to block drafts.
As time passed, this furniture was made in a wide range of sizes, from extremely large, oversized folding screens that were used in spacious palaces, to miniature decorative screens that could comfortably fit on a tabletop.
Folding screens used as room dividers was constructed from several panels attached to each other. The most popular room dividers in 7th century China were six or eight- paneled folding screens.
Chinese folding screens often feature a dragon motif. The dragon is probably one of the most familiar Chinese designs. It is the leader of all animals, and a symbol of masculinity, light, growth and life-giving water. As a king of the animals, it also represents nobility and royalty.
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