An assortment of byobu screens is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique byobu screens was constructed with extraordinary care, often using
paper,
wood and
metal. We have 539 antique and vintage byobu screens in-stock, while there are 49 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of byobu screens available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Byobu screens are generally popular furniture pieces, but
mid-century modern,
modern and
Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Many byobu screens are appealing in their simplicity, but
Japanese Studio,
Robert Crowder and
Kozui Hitsu produced popular byobu screens that are worth a look.
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.