Byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) - Silk, Paper, Gold Leaf, Lacquered wood, Mulberry paper - Japan - 19th century (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period)
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€ 1
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 2,100 - € 2,400
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Original 19th‑century byōbu folding screen from Japan, six panels dating to the Late Edo/Early Meiji period, depicting Genji monogatari scenes in colour and ink on mulberry paper with gold leaf and a lacquered wood frame; total width 375.6 cm, height 172.5 cm, in excellent condition with restorations and wear along hinges, certificate of authenticity included.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An intriguing tall six-panel folding screen 屏風 (byôbu) depicting various scenes from the celebrated literary classic The Tale of Genji 源氏物語 (Genji monogatari).
The richly detailed composition unfolds across a series of open pavilions, gardens and waterways, populated by courtiers dressed in elaborate Heian-period robes. Figures are shown gathered in conversation, seated within elegant interiors, travelling by boat and strolling through the surrounding landscape. Broad gold-leaf clouds drift throughout the composition, separating the individual episodes while unifying them across the six panels.
In the lower left, the painting presents a scene associated with Chapter 51, “A Boat Cast Adrift” 浮舟 (Ukifune). Prince Niou 匂宮 (Niou no Miya) takes Ukifune 浮舟 across the Uji River by boat to a secluded dwelling. During the journey, he declares his love to be as steadfast as the evergreens of Tachibana Island, while Ukifune compares herself to a “boat adrift”, unmoored and without a home.
Another scene in the upper centre appears to relate to Chapter 12, “Suma” 須磨 (Suma), in which Genji lives in exile by the sea, removed from court life. Here Genji stands on the open veranda longingly looking in the distance.
Executed in colour and ink on mulberry paper with extensive gold leaf. The painting is bordered by two patterned silk brocade trims and set within a red lacquered wooden frame fitted with protective metal hardware.
Period: Japan – 19th century, (Late Edo–Early Meiji period).
Dimensions:
Total width 375.6 cm (2 × 63.6 cm, 4 × 62.1 cm); Height 172.5 cm.
Considering its age, the screen is in good restored condition with traces of wear consistent with age on both sides, including restorations and areas of repair to the gold leaf, particularly along the hinges. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
The folding screen is well suited for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art, but can also be displayed as a standalone piece.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateAn intriguing tall six-panel folding screen 屏風 (byôbu) depicting various scenes from the celebrated literary classic The Tale of Genji 源氏物語 (Genji monogatari).
The richly detailed composition unfolds across a series of open pavilions, gardens and waterways, populated by courtiers dressed in elaborate Heian-period robes. Figures are shown gathered in conversation, seated within elegant interiors, travelling by boat and strolling through the surrounding landscape. Broad gold-leaf clouds drift throughout the composition, separating the individual episodes while unifying them across the six panels.
In the lower left, the painting presents a scene associated with Chapter 51, “A Boat Cast Adrift” 浮舟 (Ukifune). Prince Niou 匂宮 (Niou no Miya) takes Ukifune 浮舟 across the Uji River by boat to a secluded dwelling. During the journey, he declares his love to be as steadfast as the evergreens of Tachibana Island, while Ukifune compares herself to a “boat adrift”, unmoored and without a home.
Another scene in the upper centre appears to relate to Chapter 12, “Suma” 須磨 (Suma), in which Genji lives in exile by the sea, removed from court life. Here Genji stands on the open veranda longingly looking in the distance.
Executed in colour and ink on mulberry paper with extensive gold leaf. The painting is bordered by two patterned silk brocade trims and set within a red lacquered wooden frame fitted with protective metal hardware.
Period: Japan – 19th century, (Late Edo–Early Meiji period).
Dimensions:
Total width 375.6 cm (2 × 63.6 cm, 4 × 62.1 cm); Height 172.5 cm.
Considering its age, the screen is in good restored condition with traces of wear consistent with age on both sides, including restorations and areas of repair to the gold leaf, particularly along the hinges. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
The folding screen is well suited for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art, but can also be displayed as a standalone piece.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Dynastic Style/Period
19th century (Late Edo period/Early Meiji period)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Material
Gold Leaf, Lacquered wood, Mulberry paper, Paper, Silk
Height
172.5 cm
Width
375.6 cm
Title of artwork
Byôbu 屏風 (folding screen)
Depth
1.7 cm
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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