#1. A beautiful hand painted antique Japanese six panel byobu painted in the classic style of the Yamato-é Genre Scenes of nenjū gyoji-é (annual events and the seasonal pastimes that celebrate communion with nature). This screen is refreshing in its portrayal of these customs as practiced in the peaceful lives of everyday Japanese people, illustrated we see enjoyment of the natural world and community traditions... 

The painting is executed in rich mineral pigments derived largely from copper derivatives such as lapis and malachite, the sumi ink from coal and gold leaf in the cloud banks with gold kirigané flecks added to the parchment ground. The construction of the structure of this folding byobu is of 10 layers of handmade “Washi” (organic paper made from the fibers of the mulberry) over an interior bamboo latticework frame. It is then framed with a lacquered wood surround that is reinforced with hand engraved bronze fittings. Japan, Meiji Period, circa 1880’s. 

Measuring 68 ½” high by 149” wide. 

#2. An antique Japanese six panel miniature byobu depicting a myriad of traditional cultural celebrations within the classic painting style of the Kano School’s floating world among golden clouds. The artist has created a seamless village narrative within which one enjoys individual vignettes of various festivities and the interactions between its participants. Rich mineral pigments within a soft matte gouache lend appealing contrast that brings the painting to life. Of classic screen construction with silk jacquard border and lacquer frame secured by bronze corners and metal brads. Taisho period (1912-25).

Measuring 43” high by 109” wide. 

#3.

#4. Antique Japanese six-fold paper screen painted in ink with calligraphy on a buff ground bordered with a geometric pattern in gold leaf. The calligraphy is part of a Chinese poem, 'Ode to Drinking Morality' by Liu Ling, one of the 7 Worthies of the Bamboo Grove, painted by a Japanese calligrapher. Signed and seal: Gi Sensho Fujiwara (Fusa) Chika no sho. Meiji Period (1867-1912).

Measuring 67 ¾" high by 148 ¾" wide.

#5. An exquisite Edo period antique Japanese hand carved lattice work folding screen. Each panel carved with an elegant composition of birds and flora detailed in 'Kanshitsu', dry lacquer pigments. The red lacquer lattice is embellished with old gilded highlights and the hinges are beautifully hand engraved. Given the age and superior quality of this artifact, it was likely commissioned as an interior shutter within a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine. Late 1700's. 

Measuring 37 ½” high by 35 ½” wide. 

#6. An antique Japanese six panel byobu with bold, spontaneous sumi calligraphy on a white buff ground. Each panel is framed in gold kirigané. Meiji Period 1867-1912.

Measuring 68" high by 146" wide.

#7. An antique Japanese two-panel silver byobu with literati style landscape overlooking a lakeside with distant mountains and bamboo in the foreground. The scale of this screen is reflective of its function as a Furosaki or low partition between the preparation area and the participants in the tea ceremony, Cha no yu. Surrounded by a black silk geometric border and fitted kiri wood frame. Taisho period (1867-1912).

Measuring 27 ½” high by 73” wide.

#8. An antique Japanese six panel byobu of gold leaf and washi with rich mineral and gesso pigments depicting scholars in a garden engaged in traditional scholarly pursuits. In the left panels they are seated on boulders in a contemplative state taking tea with texts and an incense burner before them. In the central panels a scholar rests on a kang before his writing table, where hand scrolls, his ink stone and brushes are made ready. Behind him are large wine vats and attendants surround the reclining figure. In the right panels the scholar is seated before a large picture marble screen beneath a flowering plum tree. He is here overseeing the tutelage of a young scholar in the art of calligraphy. Signed by Nishimura Goun (1877-1938). Late Meiji / Early Taisho, circa 1910-20.

Measuring 67 ½" high by 148 ½" wide.

#9. An antique Japanese six panel byobu in the classic style of Rakuchu-Rakugai (scenes in and around Kyoto). These scenes depict daily life and various traditional cultural activities of historical Japan. The Kano School, whose artists combine brilliant color (mineral pigments) with the techniques of Chinese painting, were the most prominent group to create such genre screens by commission to decorate the residences of important patrons. Late Edo Period, circa 1820's.

Measuring 67 ¾" high by 148" wide.

#10. An exquisite antique Japanese six-panel gold leaf byobu or folding screen of an unusual scale that depicts a scattered array of floating fans. The fan is a classical art motif in Japanese culture, highly prized and often given as gifts amongst nobility. Each fan on this screen is a traditional study of birds and flora, heroes and sages, literature and landscapes, a narrative of Japanese historical culture. The paintings are executed in sumi ink and mineral pigments in gouache on parchment with gold leaf details and ground. Kano School, circa 1780.

Measuring 54" high by 114 ½" wide.

#11. An antique Japanese screen of ink on parchment depicting a classical literati school subject of the Shosho Hakkei – eight views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers. The unmistakable influence of Zen Buddhism is exhibited here, where the artist expresses the elements of vast space and detail with the adept brush skills of both spontaneity and brevity. Signed Tsunenobu, Chikanobu (Shushin) and Minenobu. Edo Period, early 1800’s.

Measuring 56” high by 123” wide.

#12. An antique Japanese screen of ink on parchment depicting a classical literati school subject of the Shosho Hakkei – eight views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers. The unmistakable influence of Zen Buddhism is exhibited here, where the artist expresses the elements of vast space and detail with the adept brush skills of both spontaneity and brevity. Signed Tsunenobu, Chikanobu (Shushin) and Minenobu. Edo Period, early 1800’s.

Measuring 56” high by 123” wide.