Screen with bamboo painting

A serene mid-size two-panel byôbu 屏風 (room divider) with a refined painting of bamboo 竹 (take). This multi-coloured painting is set on a heavily oxidized silver leaf background. Silver leaf continuously undergoes the process of oxidation, which creates a beautiful aged patina.

Bamboo is a very strong plant. Because of its sturdy root structure, it is a symbol of prosperity in Japan. For years, people were told to run into the bamboo groves in the event of an earthquake, because the bamboo’s strong root structure would hold the earth together. Simple and unadorned, the bamboo is also symbolic of purity and innocence.

The panels are protected by a red lacquer wooden frame.

The screen is in a good condition with traces of age, wear and old restorations. Please take a look at the photos for a condition reference.

Total width: 142.4 cm (2 x 71.2 cm); Height: 154.6 cm.
Late Meiji period – Taishô period.
This room divider is light in weight and can also be easily mounted flat on a wall and presented as one piece of art.

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.