About This Work

Made in Segovia with 3 Antique Chinese Doors
(Kunming, ca.1870).

A spirit screen, also called screen wall, (影壁 yingbi, lit. ‘shadow wall’ or 照壁 zhaobi lit. ‘bright wall’ ) is used to shield an entrance gate in traditional Chinese architecture. The term “yingbi” refers to screens on the outside as well as the inside, whereas the term “zhaobi” is used only for screens on the outside. They can be constructed from a variety of materials such as brick, wood, stone, or glazed tile. Spirit screens are tied to the belief that evil spirits cannot move around corners, hence the spirit screen blocks them from entering through the gate they shield. Practically, they allow natural light and air circulation to enter a room, while keeping privacy.