Snow Flake Ornament
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Paintings and Screens
Paper
People Also Browsed
2010s Table Lamps
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Bamboo
20th Century Japanese Showa Scholar's Objects
Limestone
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sofa Tables
Pine
Vintage 1960s Doors and Gates
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Aluminum
Antique Early 18th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens
Gold, Gold Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Paintings and Screens
Wood, Cedar
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Brass
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Screens and Room Dividers
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Paintings and Screens
Gold Leaf
Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Paintings and Screens
Paper
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Chestnut
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Paintings and Screens
Paper
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Paintings and Screens
Paper
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Paintings and Screens
Paper
Finding the Right paintings-screens for You
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.