Japanese Paintings and Screens

Unusual subject matter of a rural farm setting with grasses and pine in mineral pigments on paper with silk brocade border and black lacquer trim with bronze hardware. Signature and...

A beautiful and very engaging Edo Period (1603-1868) Japanese Tosa school original painting featuring two officials from the Imperial Court. The Tosa school (土佐派,) of Japanese pai...

Bamboo, chrysanthemums and garden stone in mineral pigments on a gold silk ground. Black lacquer trim with well patinaed bronze hardware. Signature and seals read: Seido Senshi

With nandin, narcissus and chrysanthemums. Signature and seal read: Koun. Mineral pigments on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border.

Cloud formation in gold with blue skies in mineral pigments on mulberry paper with black lacquer trim.

Fabrics featuring iconic Japanese plants like chrysanthemum, maple, and bamboo were gathered from various long underwear and kimono pieces to create a set of canvases (diameter 30, 25 and 20cm) showcasing exquisite gradations. The top canvas, in pristine white, originates from long under-kimono, while the middle and bottom canvases are skillfully upcycled from kimono fabrics. << Period / Story >> The long under-kimono and kimono fabrics used in these canvases were originally crafted and worn during the late Showa period (1960-80ies). << Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >> The pattern on the top canvas features a chrysanthemum, an auspicious emblem symbolizing longevity. It is affectionately referred to as the "raccoon dog chrysanthemum" due to the large, overlapping petals resembling the fur of a muzina, a creature similar to a raccoon dog or badger. This motif is highly popular in various plant-inspired designs and frequently seen in Edo komon, katazome, and jimon textiles. The top canvas naga-juban under-kimono, being entirely white and devoid of any additional dyes, suggests its use as formal wear. Its pristine white hue accentuates the silk's luster when exposed to light and highlights the beauty of the woven patterns. The fabric used here is rinzu, a type of fabric thinner than crepe de chine, characterized by its soft, smooth texture and subtle sheen. This particular lintel distinguishes itself with the way its ground pattern emerges and also incorporates a woven chrysanthemum pattern. The central canvas showcases a maple tree, symbolizing longevity, which changes its colors with the seasons, bringing joy and happiness to people's lives. The bamboo featured on the lower canvas has been regarded as a symbol of good fortune since ancient times, given its straight and vigorous growth, along with the Chinese legend that a phoenix consumes its fruit. It embodies concepts such as "immortality," "longevity," and "strength" because it remains green even in winter. The hollow stem also signifies "innocence," suggesting that there are no hidden agendas. All three canvases are adorned with ground patterns that, when viewed from a distance, appear as modern works of art, yet upon closer inspection, they reveal a distinct Japanese ambiance. << Characteristics of the fabric >> All three canvases are made of fabrics with jimon. The unique and high level of Japanese weaving...

Nagasaki School (EARLY 19TH CENTURY) Opperhoofd Hendrik Doeff with Javanese servant Kakemono, watercolor on paper, mounted on silk and textile covered paper scroll, not signed....

Japanese Two Panel Screen: Water Fowl by River's Edge, Showa period (1926 - 1989) painting of fowl on a river bank. Very art deco in style. Painted in min...

Six-panels screen depicting the exit from the city of a Chinese emperor on horseback and his concubine in a luxurious palanquin. It may be a scene illustrating the poem The Song of Everlasting Sorrow (Chang hen ge, ???) written by Bai Juyi (772-846), which recounts the tragic love story between the emperor Ming Huang (also known as Tang Xuanzong, 685-762) and his favorite concubine, the beautiful Yang Guifei...

An amazing pair of six-panel hinagata byôbu (doll festival folding screens) with a continuous painting on gold leaf showcasing flower carts (hana’guruma) at the edge of a winding river. Both laden with a large bamboo basket...

This is a Kano school painting depicting autumn and winter Mineral pigments with gold dust on mulberry paper.

Japanese six-panel screen: Plovers in flight over coastal landscape. Late Edo - Early Meiji period, circa 1870, painting of plovers flying over cresting waves. Sumi ink on mulberry p...

Japanese two-panel screen: Three Jewels of Buddhism. Meiji period (1868-1912) painting. The three jewels of Buddhism are the teacher, the lesson, and the ...

Mineral pigments on gold. Not signed, by Baikei Hitsu.

Fine painting of a variety of waterfowl in rich mineral pigments on gold leaf with a silk brocade border.

This canvas featuring a plum color gradient kimono showcases a unique decorative variation of the popular seigaiha (青海波) sea waves pattern. The artwork got a Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Cu...

This work is a glorious nod to buddhist temples circle windows, with beautiful Japanese garden scape seen outside. Golden leaf on the border of a frame is an expression of light goin...

Japanese Two Panel Screen: Late Nineteenth Century Kimono Fabric Mounted on Early Twentieth Century Screen. In the Heian period (eighth century to the twelfth century), noblemen wou...

Six canvases (Diameter approx. 30cm, 25cm, 20cm) use the fabric taken from antique kimono, its' various parts, to create one harmonious fluid image of a snowflake - a symbol of new b...

Haku Maki (1924-2000) Japanese Woodblock Poem 69-17. This art is from the Poem collection. Signed and numbered in pencil. Edition 15/86. Color wood blocking with embossing. Measures ...

This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature colors symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers. It is filled with storytelling ...

MIEKO - Vintage Asian style painting on watercolor paper - signed with the artist's chop mark and name - Japan - late 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - bleed through to th...

By rivers edge at sunrise. By: Muta Akira. Mica paint on canvas. Exhibited in the 1960 Nitten exhibition.

<< About this canvas >> This kimono canvas set of three pieces portrays mountains surrounded by the sea. While each of the three pieces is crafted from different kimonos, they all s...

This is a pair of antique carved stone panels. A Japanese, lacquered decorative scene with female figures, dating to the late Victorian period, circ...

Kano school painting of a pheasant in a snowy pine. Artist signature reads: Hokkyo Shunyo. Mineral pigments on gold leaf with silk brocade border.  

A Japanese painting depicting Commodore Matthew Perry’s flagship USS Mississippi bringing the coffin with the remains of US marine private Robert Williams who died while serving on t...

Japanese scroll painting of landscape painting depicted village along the riverside in the mountains with fisherman Ink and color on silk Overall size...

A hanging ink (Sumi-e) silk scroll by Japanese Zen artist Hidaka Tetsuo (1791-1871). Well presented in brocade boarders and mounted on paperback, this scroll depicts "Three Noble Friends in Winter" in a poetic and novel way. One of the favorite subjects by Chinese painters, the three noble friends in winter consists of pine, bamboo and plum flowers. They were admired for their characters of strength in cold resistance to remain evergreen and even blossom in unfavorable condition. The artist, however, composited the subjects in a none-conventional way as Ikebana. Bamboo and flowering plum branches were presented in an oversized pot...

Beautiful set of 6 large kakemonos from 19th century Japanese mythology. Paper support with a canvas pasted on the paper Wonderful set that is part of Japan's history and beliefs When not hung, the Kakemonos are rolled up. circa 1800 - Japan - Edo Period A kakemono translates as "object to hang". In Japan this refers to a painting or calligraphy, most often done on silk or paper framed in a scroll that was intended to be hung on walls or in public lighting. This particular form, which allows them to be in a roll, dates back to the Tang dynasty in China (this would be related to the copying and preservation of ancient Buddhist texts). A Kami is a deity or spirit worshipped in the Shinto religion. A Yokai is a spirit, ghost, demon, or strange apparition from the creatures of Japanese folklore. Each of these kakemonos represents a unique story: - A kami, a Japanese deity, is shown painting a rainbow. Indeed, he performs the action with his right hand while his left hand holds a kind of basket with three pots of paint. This kami has a rather closed attitude. He is standing in a dark and tormented sky. Below this figure, 8 villagers are dressed in traditional Japanese clothes. Their faces are softened. They are not afraid of the elements made by the kami above their heads. - A character with an unreal look is holding a kind of jar with his two hands, which he spills on human figures above. This being is floating in the air, probably a character from mythology, perhaps Susanoo. Underneath, villagers on umbrellas. They are trying to protect themselves as best they can from what is falling on them. One of them is carrying baskets with fish on her shoulders. A character in the background is thrown forward and falls. - On this kakemono, the god Raijin, dressed in a white and blue outfit, strikes the sky with his two drum hammers to create lightning and its thunderous sound. Surrounded by Tomoe and a long red scarf, Raijin, enraged and with dishevelled hair, creates a dark and violent storm. The villagers seem frightened by this meteorological phenomenon. One of the villagers can be seen fainting in the arms of a man. This scene may seem chaotic, but Japanese legend tells us that once a field is struck by lightning, the harvest is good. - On this kakemono, we see an unreal-looking figure holding a fan, as if he were sweeping away the bad weather, or simply producing gusts of wind. He is probably the kami of wind and air, Shina tsu-hiko. The figures below him seem surprised by so much wind. An umbrella flies away on the left, the women hold their hair and scarf, the clothes are caught in the power of the wind, there is even a woman on the ground on the bottom left. - This Kakemono represents a short moment. This Raiju is a yokai (ghost spirit...

"Rabbit Girl of Wonderland" Japan, an important tall 35" hand cast bronze effigy of a young woman clutching a prize rabbit, by important national artisan ...

Early 19th Century Rimpa School Floral Screen Period: Early 19th Century Dimensions: 367x171 cm (144.5x67.3 inches) SKU: RJ118/2 This 6-panel gold-leafed screen is a splendid repre...

Silk, scroll tip: wood Size: Image size: 400 (W) x 1240 (H) [mm] All : 520 (W) x 1870 (H) [mm] Box size: 80 x 75 x 630 mm, 840g (Not Original box) Sun, wave and crane, a Japanese ...

Japanese Six Panel Screen: Silver Moon Rising Over Summer Field. Rimpa Style painting of a moon rising over summer flowers and grasses, including cockscomb and blue bellflowers. Pa...

Rivers of mist, falling water and moss draped trees evolve into a mystical landscape. Ink on silk, bordered in fine mulberry paper. Sold as a pair.

Kano School painting of a bamboo grove with blooming flowers and gold dust mists. Painted in mineral pigments on mulberry paper with gold dust and a silk brocade border.

<< About this artwork >> This artwork has been upcycled from a stunning obi, which is adorned with calligraphy weaving saying "moon" and "moonlight". << Period / Story >> The obi...

Japanese two-panel screen: Ikebana on gold. Meiji period (1868-1912) painting of a basket with beautifully arranged spring flowers in the style of ikebana (Japanese traditional flowe...

Chinese School landscape ink painting on gilded silk by Yukimatsu Shunpo, signed and dated 1924. Yukimatsu Shunpo was born in Oita in 1897 and studied under Himejima Chikugai in Osak...

Natural scene of Mandarin ducks gliding gracefully amongst the water. Mineral pigments on silk with silk brocade border and natural wood trim. Seal reads: Kei.

Mother’s Breast (Chichi) 1844 Hanging scroll. Ink, pigments and gofun on silk. Inscription: Kouka era, dragon year, late winter, painted by Shozan Yashou Artist’ seals: ...

Japanese Two Panel Screen: Romping Cats Under Sago Palms Beautifully painted mineral pigments on mulberry paper

refined Japanese brush painting of samurais and archers in the landscape, a section originally from a handscroll. ink and color on silk. Cons...

With the vibrant colors, and fine attention to detail and surface typical of a Rimpa painting. Using Rimpa style tarashikomi painting technique with mineral pigments on mulberry pape...

Japanese Six Panel Screen: Moon Rising Over the Plains of Musashino. A classic motif in Japanese art. Japanese artists were used to seeing vistas with mountains, valleys, and fores...

This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature motifs symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers. It is elegantly framed with pau...

<< About this canvas >> This canvas is crafted from three different haori fabrics, each adorned with a shibori dyeing flower motif going through entire fabric. These fabrics tell a ...

Japanese two panel screen: Summer flowers on silver. Meiji period painting (1868 - 1912) of Summer flowers including morning glories and daisies against a garden fence. Signature and...

Kano School painting, in mineral pigments and gold leaf on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border. Artist seal reads: Hokkyo Unsen.

Beautiful and dramatic Kano school painting of a hawk perched on a rock. With flowering cherry, peonies, pine and bamboo. Twig fence on the right is made of heavily oxidized silver...

Kawahara Keiga (1786 - c. 1860) Two Dutch ships anchored in the bay of Nagasaki Sumi ink and pigment on silk, H. 27 x W. 41 cm (excl. frame) Comes framed, see image. ?Based o...

Calligraphy reads: Raku (Pleasure). Ink on silver in a black lacquered wooden trim. Seal is illegible.

Japanese Two Panel Screen: Aviary Shaded By A Maple Tree, Showa period (1926 - 1989) painting of an outdoor bird enclosure under a maple tree. Painted in ...

An exquisite Taisho period screen depicting nesting cormorants painted on raw silk with gold fleck by Japanese artist Asami Joujou (b. 1890 in Himeiji, Japan-d. 1974), circa 1912-1926.

Exceptional pair of Japanese screens, 20th century Six parts, six times 45 cm wide Gold spotted paper with parts of old screens.

Mineral pigments on paper. Signature and seal read: Shigehiro.

Depicting farmers, pheasant hunting, picnicking, festival and general village scenes. Ink and mineral pigments on handmade mulberry paper.

This work uses a vintage kimono fabric with marble pattern, that makes it look like a real piece of marble. The line in the middle symbolizes “kintsugi” - concept of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of aging. It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury. I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece. << Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >> Kintsugi (金継ぎ), which translates to "golden joinery" or "golden repair," is a traditional Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. I used this tecnique here to "repair" antique kimono by transforming it into art work. Beyond its literal meaning of mending broken ceramics, kintsugi carries profound philosophical and cultural significance in Japanese tradition: ・Embracing Imperfection: Kintsugi celebrates imperfection and impermanence. Rather than disguising or concealing flaws, it highlights them, treating the breakage as part of the object's history. This philosophy encourages acceptance of imperfection as an essential aspect of life, beauty, and human experience. ・Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic: Kintsugi embodies the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Wabi-sabi values simplicity, authenticity, and the beauty of things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. Kintsugi exemplifies these principles by turning what might be considered flaws into features that enhance the object's beauty and character. ・Resilience and Transformation: The act of repairing broken things with precious metals symbolizes resilience and transformation. Instead of discarding or replacing the broken object, kintsugi honors its history and transforms it into something new and valuable. This reflects broader philosophical themes of overcoming adversity, finding beauty in imperfection, and embracing change. ・Honoring the Past: Kintsugi preserves and honors the history of the object. Rather than erasing or ignoring its past, it acknowledges and celebrates it. This aspect of kintsugi can be seen as a metaphor for honoring our own personal histories, including the challenges and setbacks we have faced, and recognizing how they have shaped us into who we are today. ・Spiritual and Philosophical Symbolism: Kintsugi has spiritual and philosophical implications, reflecting concepts such as the interconnectedness of all things, the cycle of life and death, and the pursuit of harmony and balance. The process of repairing broken objects with precious metals is seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and the journey towards wholeness. Overall, kintsugi represents not only a practical technique for repairing ceramics but also a profound philosophical and cultural perspective on life, beauty, and the human experience. It embodies values such as resilience, acceptance, and the transformative power of embracing imperfection. << Characteristics of the fabric >> This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional painting technique where the colors are added on wet surface, which creates an effect of marble. << About the frame >> Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos. Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments. During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...

Rimpa School painting in mineral pigments with gofun and gold flakes on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border.

Description - Hanging scroll with quite a surreal scene of the music and dance performance with two seated samurais and a child actor on a go-game-board who plays a role of dancing s...