Early 18th C Edo period Japanese byobu painted screen of scholars in retreat. It is composed of 2 panels. The screen has a predominate gold leaf ground on gofun paper. Paint composition is a mineral rimpa paint. The subject matter is a belief of mythology made real. Shu-ton (a scholar's attendant) found a longevity turtle that is believed to be 1000 years old. This turtle is also known to be a messenger to the gods. The expression on the master's face reflects wonderment...

Heavy pigment forms a spectral scene of a dark stone lantern viewed through the spring laden branches of maples, a dove taking flight in the fore. Anyone who has visited Japan will know the haunting sense these monoliths produce. The painting is performed in thick pigment on applied silver-leaf, signed Taisho (Okada Taisho, b. 1888). The screen is signed in the lower right corner, and measures150 x 151 cm (59 inches by 5 feet). It is in fine condition, with only minor abrasions from handling...

Stunning antique Japanese two panel folding silver leaf screen. Oxidized silver leaf on layered gofun paper, mounted on Hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood lattice construction. Wonderful original condition with no tears or condition issues. Unframed to give a more deconstructed esthetic.

Meiji Period 1868 - 1912

Size: 65.5" L x 65.5" H

Green or Blue, which will win this contest? Two shishi lions vie for our attention on this absolutely fabulous pair of 19th century screens. The images are performed with pigment on applied silver, not an easy medium from the start. One creature pounces, mouth open, teeth barred while the other crouches, mouth shut, ready to leap. Peony, a flower typically associated with the creatures, grows about them. Each screen is 68 x 137 inches (173 x 348 cm)...

Antique Japanese six-panel screen with a chirimen gold foil background and eight staggered painted panels across the entire screen, depicting various large groups of beautiful, long-haired women or performers in elaborate dress, images from tale of Genji. Each painting is surrounded with flecks of gold. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 59.75" height, 141" width

Antique Japanese small two-panel screen painting of Kiyomizu-dera temple. The scene shows the famous main hall platform that stands high above the trees on a cliff overlooking Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera temple was founded in 778 and is now a World Heritage Site. This painting also shows the surrounding area with it's many smaller buildings, stone walls and elaborate gates...

A mid-century 18th C Japanese Tosa school six panel byobu painted screen. Rimpa paint of gofun paper with gold leafed clouds dividing each of the scenes. The screen begins by exposing us to the art of seduction by listening to poetry. The proper approach to a desired lady was through poems written on scented paper of the finest quality by an elegantly dressed go-between of appropriate social ranking...

Unusual Japanese 2-panel calligraphy screen with highly stylized brushstrokes, bordered with silver leaf and silk. The left character reads "Gi" (or Righteousness); On the right reads "Dao" (the path or way). The inscriptions appear to mean "Righteousness must always be pursued".

Signature of a monk or a priest in his late 70s named Kakuan, appearing to date Spring 1851 with a description of the studio in which the painting was made...

Antique Japanese two-panel gold leaf screen with elegant, simplistic landscape scenes in black, with calligraphy and artist's signature. Unusual small size, very charming. Edo Period (circa 1800's). Size: 65" L, 11" H

Antique Japanese large 2-panel screen, depicting two large paintings of swimming carp and reeds in sumi ink. Gold leaf and silk borders each panel.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 74" L x 68.5" H

Japanese two-panel folding screen of horses crossing a bridge with scenic background of mountains. Taisho period early 20th century.

Size: 71" L x 53" H (entire screen) 30" L x 43" H (each panel)

A wonderful original Japanese six panel byobu screen. Hand painted with natural mineral colors on gofun paper. Unusual low height for the full six panel length. Finely painted pheasant sitting central to the painting. A family of swallows swooping and dancing around in a playful fashion. Natural full wisteria branch rises up to create a perch for the pheasant.

Fun fact, pheasants are the national bird of Japan...

Edo period Kimono hang from a lacquered frame on this gorgeous two panel silver screen dating from the turn of the 19th century. Dyed on the shoulder of the Chirimen silk lavender mans kimono is the Mitsuba-Aoi, official crest of the Tokugawa Shognate indicating the original kimono was property of the family which ruled Japan for 250 years. Below is chrysanthemum flowers (symbols of Imperial Power) embroidered over patterned Rinzu Satin...

A stunning Pair of Antique Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) paper doors, depicting 2 hunting noblemen on elegant horses with bows and arrows on the first panel, as well as pine trees on the second panel. Very finely hand painted. Script/Signature on the bottom right side of the second panel. Condition: 1st panel has a repaired torn area and both doors show aging/flaking of the paper at the very bottom. These doors are framed in black wood as shown in the photos. Wonderfully preserved colours....

Antique Two panel Japanese byobu screen depicting the first frost at waters edge. Japanese herons and mandarin ducks contently rest and foliage with a light dusting of snow screen depicted on the late white plumb blossom tree. Three ducks rest and warm themselves beneath the near barren tree. A pair of Japanese herons are seem amoungst the water with sprouted bamboo and flowering water lilly. In Japan the white heron is known to be able to move between three elements air, earth and water. T...

Japanese screen painting in two panels of butterflies and moths. The etherial quality of the fluttering creatures is conveyed by delicately painted details and movement. Painted in mineral colors on silk. Each rectangular silk composition has been mounted on a ground of gold leaf on paper. Seal mark on the left hand panel: Watanabe Kiyoshi.

Watanabe Kiyoshi (1778-1861) was born into a family specializing in embroidery in Nagoya. He studied painting in the Kano style under Yoshikawa...

The inscription on the back reads: Inori (Meditation) by Kinugawa Masayoshi (born 1912 in Higemi, Hyogo) of the Bijyutsuin Inyuu art organization. Japanese Two Panel Screen painting of Kannon Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. The painting is a masterpiece, using the technique whereby minerals and semi-precious stones are ground into the paint, creating the most spectacular effects. Also, gold and black lacquer add highlights. This marvelous piece will stand out in any environmen...

Japanese Edo Period Four Panel Screen Painting of a Court Scene. This elegant image is finely painted with floating gold leaf clouds, pine and willow trees, and brings the viewer into the intimacy of the court chamber. The figures are wonderfully animated with expressive faces. 100.5 x 36 inches, 255 x 91.5 cm.