Folding screen with Chinese scholars - Paper, Golden leaf, Lacquered wood, Mulberry paper - Japan - 18th century (Edo period)





€1,600 | ||
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€1,500 | ||
€1,350 | ||
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This original 18th-century Japanese Edo-period six-panel folding screen depicts Chinese scholars in a Kanō School-style garden scene, painted in ink and mineral pigments with gold leaf on mulberry paper, and measures 152.4 × 330.2 cm.
Description from the seller
A superb mid-sized six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen), featuring an elegant Kanô School-style painting depicting a refined Chinese courtly gathering celebrating two of the Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar 琴棋書畫 (qín qí shū huà): qi 棋 (the game of weiqi 圍棋, known in Japan as go 碁) and hua 畫 (painting).
The composition unfolds within an idyllic palace garden, where elegantly attired scholars and attendants gather around an open pavilion amidst flowering peonies, ornamental rocks, graceful willow trees and an ancient pine. At the centre, four noblemen are engrossed in a game of weiqi on a large raised board.
To the left, a karako 唐子 (Chinese boy) presents a hanging scroll depicting geese, while two scholars pause to admire the painting, representing the art of hua. On the right, young attendants prepare hot beverages beneath the pine tree.
The open pavilion reveals an elegantly furnished interior with decorative textiles, painted room divider, and a display table holding valuables, including a coral branch, porcelain vessels and flower arrangements. Softly drifting gold clouds envelop the scenes.
Executed in mineral pigments and ink on mulberry paper with gold leaf. The screen is enclosed within a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with engraved metal protective mounts.
Period: Japan - 18th century (Edo period)
Dimensions: Height: 152.4 cm, Total Width: 330.2 cm (2 x 56.1 cm, 4 x 54.5 cm)
Considering its age, the screen is in very good restored condition with age-appropriate wear on both sides. The reverse shows areas of professional repapering. Please study the photographs carefully for a detailed impression of its condition.
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
A superb mid-sized six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen), featuring an elegant Kanô School-style painting depicting a refined Chinese courtly gathering celebrating two of the Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar 琴棋書畫 (qín qí shū huà): qi 棋 (the game of weiqi 圍棋, known in Japan as go 碁) and hua 畫 (painting).
The composition unfolds within an idyllic palace garden, where elegantly attired scholars and attendants gather around an open pavilion amidst flowering peonies, ornamental rocks, graceful willow trees and an ancient pine. At the centre, four noblemen are engrossed in a game of weiqi on a large raised board.
To the left, a karako 唐子 (Chinese boy) presents a hanging scroll depicting geese, while two scholars pause to admire the painting, representing the art of hua. On the right, young attendants prepare hot beverages beneath the pine tree.
The open pavilion reveals an elegantly furnished interior with decorative textiles, painted room divider, and a display table holding valuables, including a coral branch, porcelain vessels and flower arrangements. Softly drifting gold clouds envelop the scenes.
Executed in mineral pigments and ink on mulberry paper with gold leaf. The screen is enclosed within a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with engraved metal protective mounts.
Period: Japan - 18th century (Edo period)
Dimensions: Height: 152.4 cm, Total Width: 330.2 cm (2 x 56.1 cm, 4 x 54.5 cm)
Considering its age, the screen is in very good restored condition with age-appropriate wear on both sides. The reverse shows areas of professional repapering. Please study the photographs carefully for a detailed impression of its condition.
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.

