Folding screen with Tale of Genji scenes - Lacquered wood, Paper, Gold leaf - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

06
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21
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Giovanni Bottero
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero

Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.

Estimate  € 2,700 - € 3,000
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€1

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A Meiji-period six-panel byôbu folding screen from Japan, depicting three Tale of Genji scenes in colour and ink on gold leaf with mulberry paper, measuring 374.2 cm wide and 176.9 cm high, housed in a black lacquered wooden frame with protective metal hardware and including a certificate of authenticity.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An intricate tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) depicting scenes from The Tale of Genji 源氏物語 (Genji Monogatari).

The composition presents three episodes from the classical narrative, set within a finely detailed landscape with blossoming cherry trees and pine, all enveloped by dense gold leaf clouds.

The scene on the left relates to Chapter 12, ‘Suma’ 須磨. During this period, Genji lives in exile by the sea, removed from court life. The composition captures a contemplative moment, as he gazes out over the waters, expressing a sense of longing for the capital.

Adjacent to this is a scene from Chapter 4, ‘Yûgao’ 夕顔 (The Lady of the Evening Faces). While waiting in his carriage outside the residence of his ailing old nurse, Genji notices a modest dwelling nearby that arouses his curiosity. This proves to be the temporary home of Yûgao, the long-lost lover of Tô no Chûjô. Intrigued by the handsome nobleman outside, Yûgao sends him a fan bearing a flirtatious poem together with a white evening-blooming flower (yûgao), beginning one of the most memorable romances of the tale.

Executed in colour and ink on gold leaf and mulberry paper. The painting is bordered by two silk brocade trims, a slender ecru inner band and a black outer band. Set within a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with protective metal hardware.

Period:
Japan – Painting Meiji period (1868-1912)
The protective frame was expertly refurbished at a later date in Japan, requiring highly specialised craftsmanship.

Dimensions:
Total width 374.2 cm (2 × 63.7 cm, 4 × 61.7 cm), Height 176.9 cm

In very good condition considering its age, with wear consistent with age and restorations on both sides, including touched-up gold leaf first, and re-papered patch on the reverse. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.

The folding screen is ideal for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art, but can of course also be placed as a standalone piece.

When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.

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 Translate

An intricate tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) depicting scenes from The Tale of Genji 源氏物語 (Genji Monogatari).

The composition presents three episodes from the classical narrative, set within a finely detailed landscape with blossoming cherry trees and pine, all enveloped by dense gold leaf clouds.

The scene on the left relates to Chapter 12, ‘Suma’ 須磨. During this period, Genji lives in exile by the sea, removed from court life. The composition captures a contemplative moment, as he gazes out over the waters, expressing a sense of longing for the capital.

Adjacent to this is a scene from Chapter 4, ‘Yûgao’ 夕顔 (The Lady of the Evening Faces). While waiting in his carriage outside the residence of his ailing old nurse, Genji notices a modest dwelling nearby that arouses his curiosity. This proves to be the temporary home of Yûgao, the long-lost lover of Tô no Chûjô. Intrigued by the handsome nobleman outside, Yûgao sends him a fan bearing a flirtatious poem together with a white evening-blooming flower (yûgao), beginning one of the most memorable romances of the tale.

Executed in colour and ink on gold leaf and mulberry paper. The painting is bordered by two silk brocade trims, a slender ecru inner band and a black outer band. Set within a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with protective metal hardware.

Period:
Japan – Painting Meiji period (1868-1912)
The protective frame was expertly refurbished at a later date in Japan, requiring highly specialised craftsmanship.

Dimensions:
Total width 374.2 cm (2 × 63.7 cm, 4 × 61.7 cm), Height 176.9 cm

In very good condition considering its age, with wear consistent with age and restorations on both sides, including touched-up gold leaf first, and re-papered patch on the reverse. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference.

The folding screen is ideal for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art, but can of course also be placed as a standalone piece.

When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.

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 Translate

Details

Dynastic Style/Period
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Material
Lacquered wood, Paper, Gold leaf
Height
176.9 cm
Width
374.2 cm
Title of artwork
Folding screen with Tale of Genji scenes
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
The NetherlandsVerified
3695
Objects sold
100%
protop

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