Folding Screens Collection
"Folding Screens: A Window into Art and History" From the lush greenery of towering trees to intricate battle scenes
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"Folding Screens: A Window into Art and History" From the lush greenery of towering trees to intricate battle scenes, they have long been a canvas for artistic expression. Dating back to the mid-17th century, these six-section folding screens captivate with their exquisite craftsmanship. One such masterpiece is the Nanban screen from around 1600, depicting the arrival of a Portuguese ship. Created by an anonymous artist, it offers a glimpse into Japan's encounter with foreign cultures during that time. The Tale of Heike comes alive on another folding screen from the early 17th century. Anonymous yet powerful brushstrokes depict dramatic battle scenes that transport us back in time. Fast forward to c. 1900, where we find ourselves exploring Useful Artistic Furniture through vibrant color lithographs. These pages showcase how they were not only works of art but also functional pieces within homes. In 1930, Kansetsu Hashimoto takes us on a journey as we visit a hermit through his evocative artwork titled "Visiting a Hermit. " The delicate strokes invite contemplation and reflection. Nature's beauty unfolds before our eyes in an 18th-century iris-themed folding screen. Each petal meticulously painted captures the essence of tranquility and grace. Venturing further into history, we encounter a whale-themed folding screen from 1797—a testament to Japan's deep connection with marine life and its significance in their culture. Returning to Portuguese influence in Japan during ca. 1600, another Nanban screen reveals intriguing details about Japanese Christians at that time—an unexpected intersection between two distinct worlds. Hoitsu Sakai mesmerizes us with his pair of two-fold screens showcasing summer and autumn flower plants. His meticulous attention to detail brings forth nature's vibrancy and ephemeral beauty. An anonymous artist transports us back centuries ago as we witness an exiled emperor on Okinoshima—his isolation palpable, his story shrouded in mystery.