'Skyline' Four-Panel Screen, circa 1925

In an abstract and geometric style, which became the hallmark of Gaston Suisse’s personal artistic exploration, the present ‘Skyline’ screen is decorated with a constructivist-inspired representation of a modern city at night. Layers of eggshell powder of varying densities were applied to the fresh Chinese lacquer using a sieve, while Suisse used stencils to define the lines where the eggshell powder is applied. This process, particularly complex in its execution, brings a vibrancy and lightness to the piece: the eggshell-inlaid lines stand out, shimmering against the black-lacquered background, echoing New York's illuminated skyscrapers at night.