Vintage Chinese Silk Folding Screen, Pink Birds, Signed

Description

The color on this 4-panel folding screen literally pops off the silk. It is a gorgeous mix of deep pink, bright blue, and sage green. Japanese style byobu housed in black lacquer frame with metal ornaments and brocade fabric border. Circa 1960-1980. Artist seal on far right panel, see detail photo.

Size: 70”L x 35”H; folded 17.25”W x 3.5”D.

Condition notes: hinges sturdy in excellent condition; some scattered stains and fly specks overall; small tear to back lining, but stable and shallow, see last photo.

The folding screen was invented in China during the Han dynasty, but further developed by the Japanese who made it lighter, using paper and fabric, and more functional. In Japan it became an everyday objects used to block drafts, give privacy, and decorate a room. The Japanese painted naturalistic subjects and seasonal motifs on most of their screens to bring the outdoors inside. Trees, birds, snow, and flowers are some of the most popular designs.

The Asian screen is read from right to left and typically crafted in even number panels: 2, 4 ( although less in Japanese culture), 6, and 8. A lattice structure of wooden slats and layer upon layer of Japanese paper give the screens strength and flexibility allowing for the unique hinged folding method. The Japanese byobu was re-adopted by the Chinese as a popular export in the 1950s-1980s.