A large two fold Furosaki screen, made for use in the Tea Ceremony, late Edo period circa mid 19th century.
Painted in the Rinpa/Korin style, with signature and seal (unread). Vibrant coloured inks with liberal application of gold dust over a warm, tan coloured paper ground. Each leaf is 90cm x 69.5cm (35.4 x 27 inches). Stretched over a dark reddy brown lacquered frame with a plain dark paper reverse.
The drawing is exceptional and executed with great delicacy, while the gold has been applied with tremendous confidence over and alongside the beautiful colour palette of greens and blues. The painting is incredibly zen like and tranquil as your eye passes over the scene, the transparent layers giving everything a ghost like depth that makes little distinction between foreground and background.
Condition:
Overall excellent, with no losses to paint, one small professional repair to left leaf. There is an impression from the white flowers of the left leaf visible on the right. Structurally sound, the paper hinges are intact and the piece folds and stands as intended. Minor surface dirt to the tops of both leaves, flaking lacquer to the underside of the frame (not visible without turning upside down to inspect). small loss of lacquer to bottom left and right corners.
More images here
Care and display:
Japanese screens were made to be displayed on the floor, normally as room dividers. Furosaki are made to mark the temae (The procedure for making tea) space with each leaf at a right angle from the other. These screens are ingeniously constructed with folding paper hinges, leaving no gaps at the back and with the ability to fold forwards or backwards as required. They are not made to be displayed flat, on a wall as per western artworks. Ideally, this would be kept on the floor, or on a shelf or sideboard where it can stand comfortably, with each leaf angled or you risk permanantly damaging the integrity of the structure. However, the relative popularity of these screens in the US means there are now bespoke hangings available, designed to support the screen on a wall without putting any pressure on the hingeing. We can point you in the right direction if you would like to hang the screen.
UK mainland shipping is £75, by dedicated courier. Please contact for international shipping or hard to reach parts of the UK.
