Byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) - Paper, Golden silk, Lacquered wood, Mulberry paper - Japan - Taishō period (1912-1926)






Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
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A pair of medium-sized six-panel byôbu folding screens from Taishō Japan, in good condition, executed in colour, ink and gold on silk with gold silk, mulberry paper and lacquered wood, measuring a total width of 756.8 cm and height 156 cm (378.4 cm per screen), signed on the right panel by Shuntei and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Description from the seller
An appealing pair of medium-sized six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screens) with a continuous painting depicting lush foliage surrounding a tranquil lake, transitioning through the seasons.
At the centre of the composition lies a small pond, fed by a gently meandering stream that descends as a low, delicate waterfall. Lotus flowers and leaves lotus 蓮 (hasu) float on the water’s surface, while blue irises 花菖蒲 (hanashôbu) line the pond’s edge.
The left screen represents autumn and winter. On the far left, shrubs laden with red berries are dusted with snow, evoking winter, accompanied by narcissus 水仙 (suisen) and pink roses バラ (bara). Moving toward the centre, a dense bush of white lespedeza 萩 (hagi) shelters a pair of quails (uzura) beneath its leaves, alongside the striking presence of a vivid red cockscomb 鶏頭 (keitô). Further inward appear bright purple morning glory and bellflowers 桔梗 (kikyô) in deep blue and white tones.
The right screen bursts into spring and summer. Large blooms of pink and white peonies 牡丹 (botan) flourish beneath the cascading branches of a weeping cherry tree 枝垂れ桜 (shidare’zakura) heavy with blossoms. Near the water’s edge, a yellow rose 山吹 (yamabuki) emerges, while butterflies and Japanese tits animate the abundance of the warmer seasons.
The entire scene is softly enveloped by streaks of shimmering golden misty clouds, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Both screens are sealed twice, and the right screen is signed: “Image by Shuntei” 春汀画.
Executed in colour, ink, and gold paint on silk. The screens are encased in black lacquered wooden frames fitted with protective metal hardware.
Period: Japan, Taishô period (1912–1926)
Dimensions:
Total width both screens: 756.8 cm, Single screen width: 378.4 cm (2 x 64.4 cm, 4 x 62.4 cm), Height: 156 cm
The byôbu are in good condition, with traces of wear consistent with age on both sides, including some water streaks and areas of discoloration. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference.
This pair of folding screens is well suited for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single panoramic work of art.
When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.
Seller's Story
An appealing pair of medium-sized six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screens) with a continuous painting depicting lush foliage surrounding a tranquil lake, transitioning through the seasons.
At the centre of the composition lies a small pond, fed by a gently meandering stream that descends as a low, delicate waterfall. Lotus flowers and leaves lotus 蓮 (hasu) float on the water’s surface, while blue irises 花菖蒲 (hanashôbu) line the pond’s edge.
The left screen represents autumn and winter. On the far left, shrubs laden with red berries are dusted with snow, evoking winter, accompanied by narcissus 水仙 (suisen) and pink roses バラ (bara). Moving toward the centre, a dense bush of white lespedeza 萩 (hagi) shelters a pair of quails (uzura) beneath its leaves, alongside the striking presence of a vivid red cockscomb 鶏頭 (keitô). Further inward appear bright purple morning glory and bellflowers 桔梗 (kikyô) in deep blue and white tones.
The right screen bursts into spring and summer. Large blooms of pink and white peonies 牡丹 (botan) flourish beneath the cascading branches of a weeping cherry tree 枝垂れ桜 (shidare’zakura) heavy with blossoms. Near the water’s edge, a yellow rose 山吹 (yamabuki) emerges, while butterflies and Japanese tits animate the abundance of the warmer seasons.
The entire scene is softly enveloped by streaks of shimmering golden misty clouds, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Both screens are sealed twice, and the right screen is signed: “Image by Shuntei” 春汀画.
Executed in colour, ink, and gold paint on silk. The screens are encased in black lacquered wooden frames fitted with protective metal hardware.
Period: Japan, Taishô period (1912–1926)
Dimensions:
Total width both screens: 756.8 cm, Single screen width: 378.4 cm (2 x 64.4 cm, 4 x 62.4 cm), Height: 156 cm
The byôbu are in good condition, with traces of wear consistent with age on both sides, including some water streaks and areas of discoloration. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference.
This pair of folding screens is well suited for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single panoramic work of art.
When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.
