Folding screen - Paper, ink, wood, lacquer, decorative textile mounting - Japan - Li Bai Cursive Script

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Japanese two-panel folding screen from circa 1920–1930, bearing running-cursive calligraphy of Li Bai’s “Preface to the Spring Night Banquet at the Peach and Plum Garden” on paper with decorative textile mounting and a dark wooden frame, measuring 166.5 × 92 × 4 cm and in good used condition with minor signs of age.

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Description from the seller

Short description of the item and its origin

A Japanese two-panel folding screen featuring a calligraphic transcription of “Preface to the Spring Night Banquet at the Peach and Plum Garden” (春夜宴桃李園序), the celebrated literary work by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai.

The text is written in a combination of running and cursive script (gyōsō), with expressive brushwork, flowing lines and varied rhythms. The calligraphy extends across both panels, presenting the famous prose passage as a continuous composition.

The text reflects on the fleeting nature of life, the beauty of spring and the joy of gathering with friends to appreciate poetry and nature. Its literary subject and dynamic brushwork give the screen both cultural and decorative appeal.

The calligraphy is presented on paper, surrounded by a light gold-patterned decorative mounting and set within a dark wooden frame. Inscriptions and red seals are visible, although the calligrapher has not been conclusively identified.

Collector’s Value & Benefits

This screen brings together traditional East Asian calligraphy and the elegant format of a Japanese two-panel folding screen.

The literary source, Li Bai’s “Preface to the Spring Night Banquet at the Peach and Plum Garden”, is one of the best-known works of classical Chinese prose. Its themes of friendship, springtime enjoyment, poetry and the passing of time have made it a lasting subject of artistic appreciation.

The combination of expressive running-cursive brushwork, a two-panel composition and decorative gold-patterned mounting makes this piece suitable for collectors of Asian calligraphy, classical Chinese literature and Japanese decorative arts.

Dimensions (in cm)

Overall dimensions when folded: 166.5 × 92 × 4 cm (Height × Width × Depth).

The screen consists of two panels, each approximately 166.5 cm high and 92 cm wide. When fully opened, the total width is approximately 184 cm. The folded depth is approximately 4 cm.

Weight (in grams)

25000 g

Shipping method

Premium DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Logistics Service: To provide you with a smooth and premium shopping experience, we utilize a specialized two-step delivery process. Your items are first shipped from Japan to our partner warehouse in Europe, where we handle all customs clearance. Once cleared, the parcel is handed over to the local courier for the final delivery to your door.

The Advantages for You:

No Hidden Fees: All import duties, taxes (VAT), and customs clearance handling fees are fully covered and paid by us. You will not pay any extra unexpected customs fees upon delivery.

Hassle-Free: We handle all the complex customs paperwork for you. You don't need to deal with border customs or provide extra documents.

Safe Local Delivery: The final delivery is handled by the local courier, ensuring a fast, safe, and trackable service within Europe.

Tracking Note: Because of this two-step process, the initial tracking status might not update immediately. The tracking number will become fully active and trackable once the parcel is dispatched from our EU warehouse via the local courier. Please kindly allow some time for the tracking to activate. Rest assured, your item is safely on its way!

●Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

Short description of the item and its origin

A Japanese two-panel folding screen featuring a calligraphic transcription of “Preface to the Spring Night Banquet at the Peach and Plum Garden” (春夜宴桃李園序), the celebrated literary work by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai.

The text is written in a combination of running and cursive script (gyōsō), with expressive brushwork, flowing lines and varied rhythms. The calligraphy extends across both panels, presenting the famous prose passage as a continuous composition.

The text reflects on the fleeting nature of life, the beauty of spring and the joy of gathering with friends to appreciate poetry and nature. Its literary subject and dynamic brushwork give the screen both cultural and decorative appeal.

The calligraphy is presented on paper, surrounded by a light gold-patterned decorative mounting and set within a dark wooden frame. Inscriptions and red seals are visible, although the calligrapher has not been conclusively identified.

Collector’s Value & Benefits

This screen brings together traditional East Asian calligraphy and the elegant format of a Japanese two-panel folding screen.

The literary source, Li Bai’s “Preface to the Spring Night Banquet at the Peach and Plum Garden”, is one of the best-known works of classical Chinese prose. Its themes of friendship, springtime enjoyment, poetry and the passing of time have made it a lasting subject of artistic appreciation.

The combination of expressive running-cursive brushwork, a two-panel composition and decorative gold-patterned mounting makes this piece suitable for collectors of Asian calligraphy, classical Chinese literature and Japanese decorative arts.

Dimensions (in cm)

Overall dimensions when folded: 166.5 × 92 × 4 cm (Height × Width × Depth).

The screen consists of two panels, each approximately 166.5 cm high and 92 cm wide. When fully opened, the total width is approximately 184 cm. The folded depth is approximately 4 cm.

Weight (in grams)

25000 g

Shipping method

Premium DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Logistics Service: To provide you with a smooth and premium shopping experience, we utilize a specialized two-step delivery process. Your items are first shipped from Japan to our partner warehouse in Europe, where we handle all customs clearance. Once cleared, the parcel is handed over to the local courier for the final delivery to your door.

The Advantages for You:

No Hidden Fees: All import duties, taxes (VAT), and customs clearance handling fees are fully covered and paid by us. You will not pay any extra unexpected customs fees upon delivery.

Hassle-Free: We handle all the complex customs paperwork for you. You don't need to deal with border customs or provide extra documents.

Safe Local Delivery: The final delivery is handled by the local courier, ensuring a fast, safe, and trackable service within Europe.

Tracking Note: Because of this two-step process, the initial tracking status might not update immediately. The tracking number will become fully active and trackable once the parcel is dispatched from our EU warehouse via the local courier. Please kindly allow some time for the tracking to activate. Rest assured, your item is safely on its way!

●Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Li Bai Cursive Script
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Paper, ink, wood, lacquer, decorative textile mounting
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
166.5 cm
Width
92 cm
Depth
4 cm
Estimated period
1920-1930
Sold by
JapanVerified
249
Objects sold
98%
Private

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