A gold leaf and gold sand six-panel byobu folding screen with narrative scenes - Paper, Gold leaf - Japan - Meiji period (late 19th century)

A Japanese six-panel byōbu folding screen painted in ink and colors on paper decorated with gold leaf and gold sand, depicting a succession of twelve narrative scenes unfolding across a series of interior and exterior settings, separated by raised gold clouds.

The composition features numerous figures engaged in everyday activities and narrative episodes, including domestic scenes, travellers, and an elephant accompanied by a young attendant.

The various settings are separated by broad, stylised gold-leaf clouds, distinguishing the individual episodes while unifying the overall composition. The surface is further illuminated by a dense, irregular scattering of gold sand, creating a refined contrast with the delicate tonal variations of the ink.

The screen is finished with silk borders and a lacquered wooden frame.

The screen can also be easily mounted on a wall or used as a room divider.

Byōbu (屏風), literally “wind protection screens,” are traditional Japanese folding screens originally created to divide spaces and today appreciated above all as striking wall-mounted paintings.

--- The byobu is in good condition, with minor wear and surface stains consistent with age, and small restorations to the gold leaf. Some wear to the lacquered frame and paper backing. Please refer to the pictures for further details.

The item will be carefully packed and shipped accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by Mastromauro Japanese art gallery based in Milan, Italy.
938