Large 6-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) with Genji riding a horse
Price: € 4.200,00
An exquisite large six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) with a refined ‘Tosa School’-style painting on gold leaf of a scene from chapter 13: ‘The Lady at Akashi’ 明石 (Akashi) from ‘The Tale of Genji’ 源氏物語 (Genji Monogatari).
Prince Genji is riding a bright white horse, holding up one arm trying to cover his white powdered noble face with the long sleave of his luxurious navy blue kimono against the falling snow. His young noble attended at his side mimics this gesture. They are accompanied by an older attendee in wearing a bright white kimono and a black eboshi with a white cross.
They are walking along the shore, away from a rocky landscape with pine trees 松 (matsu) covered by snow.
As the tale goes: Akashi, opens with Prince Genji in Suma, a remote coastal area where he has been forced into exile due to false accusations back at the Imperial court. The chapter begins with a storm which frightens Genji and his attendants. During the night, his father, the former Emperor, appears to Genji in a dream and entreats his son to leave Suma. The next day a monk (Genji’s maternal uncle) arrives, who himself had a dream instructing him to go to Suma. The monk brings Genji to his home in Akashi where the Prince has an encounter with the monk’s daughter. (From Scholten Japanese Art). Like said, in this scene, we see Genji setting out on horseback on the evening of his single rendezvous with the Lady Akashi, who will be instrumental to his political rise.
The panels are surrounded by two silk borders, a thin golden brocade one, and a wide brown-grey one with flower design.
Dimensions:
Total width: 381.2 cm. (2 x 65 cm and 4 x 62.8 cm); Height: 172.3 cm.
Period: Japan – Late 18th century/Early 19th century (Edo period).
Considering its age, which is approx. 220 years old, it is in a good restored condition with wear conform age. The protective frame was expertly and expensively refurbished at a later date in Japan. A highly skilled craftsmanship that requires a lot of expertise and knowledge. Features shiny black lacquer and high-quality protective hardware with floral engraved decors. Please take a look at the photos for a clear condition refence.
The folding screen is ideal for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art.
When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.
