20th Century Paintings and Screens

Showa period (1926 - 1989) painting with a strong design of exotic lilies and a cluster of nadeshiko (dianthus) under a silver moon on gold. This painting has a modern flair, which ...

People dressed in ceremonial robes and masks celebrate the New Year. On New Year's eve a traditional Japanese custom is to ward off evil spirits by pretending to chase away people w...

<< 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: Women in Western Dress, Nihonga style painting of two young women in Western style summer clothing, sitting at water's edge and cooling off by putting their feet in the water. Showa period painting...

Beautifully painted Japanese two-panel screen with vibrant azalea tree with finches, camellia tree, and yellow azaleas. Mineral pigments and gold dust on gold silk background. Signat...

Mineral pigments on silk, mounted on a gold panel, in silk border. Signature and seal read: Yoho.

A gouache on silk painting of a Buddhist priest by Japanese painter Goro Kamenaga (1890-1955). The highly realistic painting depicts a figure in seate...

This work is inspired by the coral color palette, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers. In this artwork, the aim was to capture the wide pal...

"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 ...

<< 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 ...

This Chinese extraordinary natural stone marble "painting" of a mountain backdrop fronted by a peaceful body of water, is both unique and remarkable. Called a dream stone Shih-hua it was cut from historic Dali marble found in the Cangshan mountains of western China. These mysterious mountains, unique in the world, are known for yielding incredible and fantastic natural landscaped works of art created over tens of millions of years from mineral inclusions that affected the process of ancient organic material which transformed into limestone and finally resulted in marble- a metamorphic hard stone. Handsome custom hard wood frame This particular dream stone is special- it is considered a master work of fine natural detail. We have had it framed in a handsome hardwood tabletop arts and crafts style frame...

Sun Sansong is the very early student of Wang Xisan. This collection is very rare and worth collecting. Ten Pieces are all his "FINE" works. Artist: Sun ...

This work uses an antique tomesode (festive kind of kimono) with fern design to evoke feelings of tranquility, harmony, and appreciation for the beauty of the environment. Can be used both vertically and horizontally. 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 of colors and patterns >> In Japanese traditional culture, ferns, particularly the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), hold several meanings and symbolisms: ・Elegance and Beauty: Ferns are admired for their graceful, delicate appearance and intricate leaf patterns. In Japanese aesthetics, they are appreciated for their natural beauty and are often used in gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements to add a sense of refinement and elegance. ・Resilience and Perseverance: Ferns are known for their ability to thrive in diverse environments, including shady forests, rocky cliffs, and damp soil. Their resilience in the face of challenging conditions is seen as a symbol of endurance and perseverance. In Japanese culture, ferns may represent the ability to overcome adversity and flourish despite obstacles. ・Connection to Nature and Tranquility: Ferns are native to forested areas and are often associated with the natural world. In Japanese traditional culture, they symbolize a deep connection to nature and the importance of maintaining harmony with the environment. The lush green foliage of ferns evokes feelings of tranquility and peacefulness, making them popular motifs in Zen gardens and traditional landscape paintings. ・Purity and Simplicity: Ferns are emblematic of simplicity and purity in Japanese aesthetics. Their unassuming beauty and understated elegance reflect the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview that values imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Ferns may be used in tea ceremonies, Ikebana (flower arranging), and other traditional arts to evoke a sense of tranquility and appreciation for life's fleeting moments. Overall, ferns in Japanese traditional culture symbolize elegance, resilience, connection to nature, purity, and simplicity. Their presence in art, literature, and landscape design underscores their enduring significance as symbols of natural beauty and spiritual resonance. << Characteristics of the fabric >> This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional Japanese technique called "yuzen". << 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...

We present to you a precious old wrapping paper from the Taisho period. This washi paper was used to wrap important items. It was made by overlapping multiple ledgers, and is chara...

Paper art screen (Obara) by Yamauchi Issei with abstract colored patterns consistent with work from the 1950's-60's.

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...

'Wadah, Bali 1906’ Signed upper right and with a pencil sketch annotated Boela(?), depot Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the artist’s stamp verso Pen, brush and ink on paper laid do...

Dagasode 誰が袖 folding screen Material: Paper & cloth pasted on paper, wooden frame 1 piece: Width 470 x Height 1300 x Depth 20 mm Expanded size: Width 2860 mm Folded size: Width 490 x...

The art piece uses two sides - front and reverse - of the same kimono, to show beautiful sea surrounding Japan, in hues and in late sunset, as a timelapse. The frame for this work is made of paulownia wood taken from antique Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono. I use antique kiritansu that can’t be used as furniture anymore to create basis and frames for my works. It adds them even more authentic atmosphere of traditional wabisabi spirit. Can you feel it? << Period / Story >> The kimono used in this piece was originally crafted during Showa period (around 1960ies). << Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors >> Sea waves, depicted in two color variations here, are a symbol of transience and Impermanence in Japanese culture. The ebb and flow of the tides, the ever-changing currents, and the relentless motion of the waves serve as reminders of the fleeting nature of life. This artwork featuring the sea convey themes of impermanence, reminding viewers to cherish the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life's fleeting moments. The theme of impermanence is strengthen by two colors of the sea - the lighter in early hues and the darker when the sun is just about to set in the sea. << About the frame >> This artwork frame is crafted from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos, and it serves to convey the refined beauty of Japanese nature. 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. Paulownia wood is closely linked to kimono culture. During the Edo period (17th cent.~), it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...

You are viewing a gorgeous pair of Dutch oil paintings signed R Van Molen Each depicts a night market scene in great detail So intricate the brushwork is very detailed Features the u...

'Ida Bagoes Raki, Bali 1906’ Signed middle right, annotated at the bottom and with artist’s stamp verso Pen, brush and ink on paper, H. 26.3 x W. 10.8 cm Ida Bagoes Raki, here 22 y...

1764 Two individual Chinese panels hand painted with applied colored stone ansestoral figures in a court scene Each panel 14x34" Price is for 2 panels

Japanese two panel screen: Moon Viewing, painting of two noblewomen admiring the full moon outdoors. Extremely sophisticated execution of painting ove...

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...

Nanga School; by female artist Kia Kozan. Showa Period (1926-1989) Translation: Kai Kozan 1867-1961, from Bungo area in Kyushu. Graduated from Bunchu-en Girls School. Signature and s...

Statue of Vishnu Garuda, Bali, 1904 Signed with initials Pencil and ink on paper, 21.4 x 21.3 cm Literature: Bruce W. Carpenter, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp. First European Artist in Bali, ...

Batur Temple and Batur Mountain before the eruption, Bali 1904 Signed, dated, and titled lower left and with artist's stamp verso Pen, brush and ink on cardboard, H. 16.7 x W. 21.8...

Mineral pigments on gilded silk with gilded bronze hardware. Signature reads: Shunkan.

Lacquer painting on wood.

Unfolded size: 1740 x 1750 x 20 mm Foldable: 870 x 1750 x 40 mm, 7kg Estimated size after packaging (sandwiched between 5 mm plywood): 9 cm x 95 cm x 185 cm Weight　16 KG An atmosp...

Extraordinary natural work, one of a kind. Custom framed This Chinese extraordinary natural stone "painting" of an outer space nightscape suggests our universe of countless moons and stars and might remind us of a similar and unique evening experience in our lives. The powerful and colorful depiction is executed in natural dark green- almost black, cream and yellow (limonite mineral) colors. This is called a dream stone Shih-hua. They are cut from historic Dali marble found in the Cangshan mountains of western China. These mysterious mountains, unique in the world, are known for yielding incredible and fantastic natural landscaped works of art created over tens of millions of years from mineral inclusions that affected the process of ancient organic material which transformed into limestone and finally resulted in marble- a metamorphic hard stone. This art form is centuries of years old since the Ming dynasty. Dream stones became favored art in the west particularly since the 19th century when French collectors named them Pierres de reve. This thin marble stone "painting" is approximately 1/4" thick and is cut from a large slab of rough material revealing incredible patterns in soft white and gray colors. Its weight is surprisingly modest- easily hung with standard hardware. Dimensions: Frame: 25 inches high and 25 inches wide. Site: 16.75" diameter Provenance: Private Chinese collection, Yunnan, China. History of dream stone "paintings": Moonlight stones...

Silver foil folding screen Material: Paper pasted on wooden frame 1 piece: Width 600 x Height 1745 x Depth 20 mm Expanded size: Width 3640 mm Folded size: Width 620 x Height 1745 x D...

Material: Paper, wooden frame 1 piece: Width 435 x Height 1370 x Depth 18 mm Expanded size: Width 2650 mm Folded size: Width 455 x Height 1370 x Depth 100 mm, weight 9 kg Packaging (...

Material: Paper & Silk, wooden frame 1 piece: Width 760 x Height 1520 x Depth 20 mm Expanded size: Width 1520 mm Folded size: Width 760 x Height 1520 x Depth 40 mm, weight 6 kg Packa...

Stone statue in the temple at Madura, India, 1914 Signed with initials and dated, bottom left Pencil on paper, 25.4 x 16.7 cm Literature: Ernst Braches en J.F. Heijbroek, W.O.J. ...

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 ...

A Korean folk Shamanism watercolor on textile matted with woven brocade and presented in a wood frame with an oriental style metal hanging hardware. The painting was estimated to be from early 20th century circa 1910-1930s. It depicts Guan Yu (160-220AD), a legendary Chinese warrior and general from Eastern Han Dynasty. Long worshiped in China as a deity, across all three major religions, Guan Gong...

Part of the ring-wall of the Taj Mahal, Agra, India, 1914 Signed with initials and dated bottom right Black chalk on paper, 45.5 x 53 cm Literature: Ernst Braches en J.F. Heijbroek...

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 two-panel screen: Dog Resting Beside a Thorny Hedge, Showa period (1926 - 1989) painting of a white dog through an exaggerated thorny ...

A CHINESE REVERSE PAINTING ON GLASS OF Empress Dowager Cixi 1st Half of 20th Century. Fine painting on glass of Empress Cixi seating on a throne in or...

Four Balinese, 1910 Signed and dated bottom left Pencil and ink on paper, 15.6 x 23 cm Literature: W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, Zwerftochten op Bali, Amsterdam, 1910, p. 36

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.

Early Taisho period painting (1912 - 1926) in mineral pigments on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border. Artist signature reads: Kisho saku.  Kisho Shibahara (1885-1954).

Decorative panel entitled “Fragmentations – X” in inlaid and patinated brass. Glossy varnish finish. Unique piece. Dimensions: H 85 x W 65 cm Reference: LS63782900A/2

Decorative panel entitled “Fragmentations – IX” in inlaid and patinated brass. Glossy varnish finish. Unique piece. Dimensions: H 85 x W 65 cm Reference: LS63782900/2

Beautifully painted by Kido So (1899 - 1984). Born in Kyoto So studied painting at the Kyoto Municipal School of Painting under Yamamoto Shunkyo (1871...

Japanese Two Panel Screen: Peonies In the Mist. Showa period (1926 - 1945) painting in oil on canvas of peonies with gold and silver dust clouds. Signature reads, Seishu.

Interesting and finely painted Japanese painting. Provenance: From an old family from Kyoto. width of about 62.0 cm axial destination width of about 67.8 cm × length of about 1...

Modern painting in mineral pigments on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border.

Moon and bamboo in ink on gold paper with red and black lacquered negoro frame. (Meiji period) Calligraphy reads: Beauty in ink painting with standing woods and branches, like in par...

Japanese two-panel screen: Pink and white magnolias in early bloom, Taisho period (1912-1926) painting of Japanese magnolia tree branches as the flowers...

Kano style painting in mineral pigments on silk with a silk brocade border.

A painting of Guanyin Qing Dynasty 19/20th century color on silk; The deity depicted floating, attired in long robes, adorned with jewels and wearing...

Hinoki (Japanese red pine) and other deciduous trees in mineral pigments on mulberry paper. Signature reads: Yosui.

These stunning paintings of ancient warriors in full costume offer a dramatic and colorful palate for a room decor, circa 1950.

Four outrigger proa’s on the beach of Kusambe, Bali, 1937 Signed with initials, dated and described with location bottom left Pencil and ink on paper, 29.7 x 35 cm

Rare Chinese Maoist Communist Era Large Plaque with intricate jade carvings of young recruits fencing and watching while in the presence of a commandeering teacher. Fabulous display ...

'Meru in Kesiman, Bali 1906’ Signed lower centre and annotated lower left Pen, brush and ink on cardboard, H. 24.4 x W. 17.1 cm The stately grandeur of the architecture of South Ba...

Delicately painted on mulberry paper, signature and seal read: Shiko. The artist, Sakakibara Shiko, (1895-1969) was born in Kyoto. Measures: 28.5" H X 73.5" W 72.39 X 186.69 (in ...