Ready for a history lesson? The ancient Chinese believed that painting and calligraphy were the only true art forms. The two forms were revered so much that owners allowed such works to be viewed only for a few minutes at a time.

Reproductions of these original forms are still popular today. There are many ancient paintings and types of calligraphy that are still greatly admired, but among the most popular subject matter is the "Bird and Flower." The painting consists of plum trees, cherry blossoms or peonies with mandarin ducks, pheasants, cranes or sparrows gracing the botanicals.

As with most things Asian, there is symbolism in everything in the painting. For instance, the mandarin ducks, which mate for life, symbolize fidelity. The cranes stand for long life because of their long necks. The plum tree, which is the first to flower, symbolized the advent of spring.

Other popular scenes are taken from a novel written in the 11th century, "Tale of Genji." It is a romantic story about the conquests of Genji, who was the prince of an ancient royal family. It was written shortly after the year 1000 in Japan's Heian era, when the capital was situated at Heian-kyo (present-day Kyoto). Genji, the hero of the story, is the son of the emperor.

Landscapes are another common theme. Often the tops of mountains are left unfinished, obscured by mist. In the midst of the mist we need to imagine where the top of that mountain might be. Upon further observation, a path will reappear somewhere on the mountain. The meandering of the unseen path is left to the imagination.

The technique of making painted fabric or paper screens originated in China around the sixth century. From China it went to Japan. It was common practice for shoguns to send hand-painted screens as gifts to the Japanese emperor and, rumor has it, that one shogun even sent a screen to the pope, which is interesting, as the Asians of that era didn't believe in a Christian God.

Today screens are made on hollow core panels. Several layers of reinforcing paper are then placed on both sides of the panel to keep it straight and to give it body. Antiqued paper, fabric or cork is then applied. Often the paper is treated with a metal-leaf finish of gold, silver or pewter. Double-action hinges join the panels and from there the screen is taken to the artist who will paint it.

The finest-quality screens are made in Japan. Good reproductions are being made in Hong Kong at lower prices.