Folding screen with scenes from The Tale of Genji - Gold leaf

An intriguing tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) depicting scenes from The Tale of Genji 源氏物語 (Genji Monogatari). The composition presents various episodes from the classical narrative, set within a landscape articulated by dense gold leaf clouds with dotted relief lines. In the lower left corner is a scene from Chapter 20, Asagao 朝顔 (The Bluebell). After another unsuccessful attempt to court his cousin, Princess Asagao, Prince Genji returns to spend time with Lady Murasaki. Together they compose poetry while contemplating a winter landscape with a frozen pond, as attendants amuse themselves by playing in the snow and building a snowman. In the lower centre appears a scene from Chapter 7, Momiji no Ga 紅葉賀 (An Imperial Celebration of Autumn Foliage), depicting Prince Genji and Tô no Chûjô, the son of the Minister of the Left, performing the celebrated court dance Seigaiha 青海波 (Waves of the Blue Sea). Additional scenes from The Tale of Genji are distributed across the remaining panels. Executed in colour and ink on mulberry paper with a gold leaf ground. The painting is bordered by two silk brocade trims, consisting of a slender brown inner band and a wider green outer band. The screen is set within a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with ornate protective gilt metal hardware. Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868-1912) Dimensions: Total width 367 cm (2 × 62.3 cm, 4 × 60.6 cm), Height 172 cm Considering its age, the screen is in very good restored condition, with wear consistent with age, including localised areas of gold leaf restoration and several repapered patches to the reverse. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. The folding screen is ideal for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art, but can of course also be placed as a standalone piece. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.

Estimation:€3,500

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