Japanese Six-Panel Screen, Sparrows and the Three Friends of Winter, circa 1800

A delightful Japanese six panel painted paper screen featuring the beloved figure Hotei, Edo Period, early 19th century. Hotei, called Budai in China, and known as the Laughing Buddha or Fat Buddha in the West, is considered to be an emanation of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. In Japan, he also holds a special place as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, being the god of fortune, and protector of children. He is always portrayed as a mirthful and corpulent man, dressed in loose robes that show off his round belly. He carries a sack with him, said to be filled with treasure. As the protector of children, he is often portrayed with them playing on or around him, as he is here. The children portrayed in this screen are dressed in Chinese style clothing...

An important Chinese 17th century early Qing Dynasty "Water and Land Ritual" painting, mineral pigment and ink on silk, mounted as a scroll, framed and glazed. The painting depicting groups of heavenly court officials and deities descending from the clouds to participate in the Liberation Rite of Land and Water. The figures all wear full, sumptuous robes, complete with hats indicating their station. The blue, green, red, black and white of the robes decorated with gilt dragon and geometric designs. This painting is interesting in that it incorporates Daosit deities and heavenly officials coming down to participate in the Buddhist rite. There are five distinct groups of figures, each with a small inscribed plaque. Some of the groups are identified as Tian Xian, or Heavenly Immortals. The group at the bottom left are identified as the Sanguan Dadi, or Three Great Emperor-Officials. The Emperor of Heaven is dressed in blue robes with gilt painted dragons. The Emperor of Water wears black robes. The Emperor of Earth wears yellow robes...

Japanese six-panel screen: Late winter into early spring, Rimpa style painting of a garden scene with doves on a bamboo fence. Flowers in bloom including ...

The first battle at Uji was in 1180 and was the beginning of the Heike Wars. This screen depicts a famous scene from the Heike Wars. Two Heike generals, Sasaki Takatsuna and Kajiwa...