Samurai screen

Striking large six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) covered with a serie of six separate hanging scroll paintings 掛け軸 (kakejiku) depicting samurai 侍 (warriors) engaged in various activities (right to left):
1) a samurai with an impressive dragon maedate dips his long bow (yumi) in a stream. His retainer sitting at his side.
2) a samurai with a similar suit-of-armour (yoroi) sits relaxed on a foldable seat, half leaning on his bow and quotes a letter to his retainer, who sits ready to take note of everything.
3) a warrior with a banner sits on his white horse just about to gallop in the direction indicated by a peasant sitting on the ground next to him.
4) a warrior with a blue laced yoroi and long white banner is conversing with a young girl who is sitting in front of him.
5) from the coastline an archer on horseback just shot a bird far on the horizon with his arrow. The bird falls into a boat where two other samurai can be seen.
6) a general is looking at us while he sits holding a war fan (gunbai) and his sword at his side. Behind him a masked samurai suddenly appeared on horseback and is ready to cleave the clueless warrior.

The polychrome paintings are executed in the same style on a paper ground, mounted with an oxidized silver leaf border, surrounded by two more silk borders. The panels are protected by a black lacquer wooden frame with its original hardware. Silver leaf continuously undergoes the process of oxidation, which creates a beautiful aged patina.

It is in a good condition with traces of age, wear and restorations, like superficial scratches and water imperfections. Please take a close look at the photos of some repapering at the back. For a clear condition reference please look at the photos as well.

Dimensions:
Total width: 377.6 cm (2 x 64.2 cm and 4 x 62.3 cm); Height: 171.4 cm.

Period: Japan – Edo period (1600-1868).

The room divider 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.