Folding screen - Wood - Japan

Folding display screens – Wood-based panels and metal – Two-panel byōbu-style screens
Tōkyoku-supervised decorative screens with a glossy burgundy-red finish, gold-coloured koi and iris motifs, and a red seal reading Seigan.

Description
This decorative set consists of two separate folding screens. Each screen is formed from two rigid panels connected by metal hinges. The fronts are finished in a deep burgundy-red colour and decorated with gold-coloured carp and stylised irises. The reverse sides are plain black.

One panel bears an inscription reading "Tōkyoku Kanshū", meaning "supervised by Tōkyoku". Tōkyoku was a Japanese brand associated with seasonal display items, including carp streamers and festival dolls. A separate red seal reads "Seigan".

The koi and iris decoration may indicate that the screens were intended for a seasonal Boys' Day or May Festival display. They can also be used as decorative interior screens. The exact date and original display context are unknown.

The stated dimensions of 91 cm in height, 106 cm in width and 1.5 cm in depth refer to each individual screen. The listed weight of 8kg is the combined weight of the pair.

Material:
Rigid wood-based panels with metal hinges and decorative metal corner fittings.

Technique:
Gold-coloured applied, painted or printed decoration over a glossy coated surface. The exact decorative process is unconfirmed.

Condition:
Used condition with visible scratches, scuffing, cloudy surface marks and areas of rubbing. There are small chips and losses along several edges and corners. The black reverse sides show scratches, abrasions and small paint losses. The metal hinges and corner fittings have age-related wear.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.