At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique Japanese silk screen for your home. Frequently made of
fabric,
silk and
wood, every antique Japanese silk screen was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the antique Japanese silk screen you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each antique Japanese silk screen bearing
Art Deco or
Arts and Crafts hallmarks is very popular.
Takakura Zaiko,
Araki Kanpo and
Edward William Godwin each produced at least one beautiful antique Japanese silk screen that is worth considering.
Traditional Asian paintings were often created on scrolls and folding screens. Artisans made screens that could be folded up or spread out by connecting several panels using hinges. Today, antique Asian folding screens and paintings are sophisticated decorative accents that can serve as makeshift partitions to ensure privacy.
The original folding screens were created by Chinese artists. The earliest record of screens comes from the 2nd century B.C., and surviving examples date back to the Ming dynasty. Chinese painting utilizes many of the same tools as calligraphy — these screens were crafted from wood with painted panels featuring striking art or calligraphy that told cultural stories or represented nature and life in the area.
The practice was introduced to Japan, where paintings for screens were made on paper and silk, in the 8th century. These paintings frequently feature subjects such as landscapes, animals, flowers and Buddhist religious themes. Along with screens for tea ceremonies and dance backgrounds, there were screens for use in Shinto and Buddhist temples.
In the 17th century, screens began to be imported to Europe where their popularity grew. Coco Chanel famously collected Coromandel folding screens.
Traditional Asian paintings can make a tasteful addition to any wall, and screens can be used as decoration or, in the case of larger iterations, as an aesthetic way to divide a large room. Browse the selection of antique Asian paintings and screens from a variety of styles and eras on 1stDibs.