Large 6-panel ‘The Tale of Genji’-byôbu 屏風 (folding screen)
Price: € 1.600,00
A captivating large six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) with a refined multi-coloured continuous painting on silvery gold leaf depicting a scene from ‘The Tale of Genji’ 源氏物語 (Genji Monogatari).
Nobles in traditional Heian are engaged in daily activities at the Rokujô estate (A fictitious building that appears in the “Tale of Genji.”). Two men in lavish kimono’s are deep in conversation at the water’s edge, a woman is strolling alongside the veranda enjoying the garden atmosphere, a child is at play near two gentlemen, and another man and his retainer just arrive at the gate of the estate.
The scene is bordered by dense clouds executed in gold leaf with a translucent silver layer. Such a silver layer continuously undergoes the process of oxidation, which creates a beautiful aged patina.
The panels are surrounded by two silk borders, a thin brown one, and a wide black-blue one. The screen is protected by a red lacquer wooden frame with its original protective hardware.
It is in a very good condition with traces of wear consistent with age and some old restorations. Please take a close look at the photo of some vertical patina streaks in the clouds. For a clear condition reference, please look at the photos as well.
This room divider is light in weight and can thus be easily mounted flat on a wall and presented as one piece of art.
Dimensions:
Total width: 366 cm (2 x 62.4 cm, 4 x 60.3 cm); Height: 172 cm.
Period: Japan – Meiji period / Taishô period (First quarter 20th century).
The Tale of Genji is a classic work of Japanese literature written in the early 11th century by the noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. The original manuscript, created around the peak of the Heian period, no longer exists. The work is a unique depiction of the lifestyles of high courtiers during the Heian period. The work recounts the life of Hikaru Genji, or “Shining Genji”, who is the son of an ancient Japanese emperor (known to readers as Emperor Kiritsubo) and a low-ranking concubine called Kiritsubo Consort. (From Wikipedia)
When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.
