Screen with Tang dynasty court scene
Price: € 3.600,00
A beautiful tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) featuring a refined Kanô School-style kara-e 唐絵 (Chinese-inspired painting), depicting an elegant Tang dynasty court scene set within an idyllic palace garden.
The composition centres around an imperial couple, generally interpreted as Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his beloved consort Yang Guifei, seated upon an elevated dais beneath an ornate canopy. Before them, elegantly dressed court ladies appear to perform a graceful seasonal flower dance, each holding a flowering branch mounted on a slender staff.. Additional ladies observe the performance from the surrounding terraces.
To the left, a grand Chinese palace pavilion is nestled amongst towering pine trees 松 (matsu), while a dramatic waterfall descends from the mountains beyond. On the right, graceful weeping willows frame a gently curving bridge crossing a deep blue stream, where a young attendant carrying a basket approaches the festivities.
Executed in mineral pigments and ink on mulberry paper against a brilliant gold leaf background. The painting is surrounded by two patterned silk brocade borders and set within a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with ornamented gilt-metal protective hardware.
Period: Japan – second half Edo period (18th century to first half 19th century).
Dimensions:
Total width 373.8 cm (2 × 63.5 cm, 4 × 61.7 cm), Height 169.7 cm
Considering its age, the screen is in very good condition, with wear and restorations consistent with age. These include losses to the silk mounting, areas of restoration to the painting and gold leaf, and repapering on the reverse. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
The folding screen is ideal for mounting flat on a wall as a single work of art, but can equally be displayed as a freestanding screen.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
