Rare Antique Japanese Folding Screen by Kano Tanshin

A fine matching pair of hanging scrolls ink on paper mounted in green brocade borders circa Edo period (17-18th century). The Kano school painting depicts wild geese in the reeds by the margin of water, a popular subject borrowed from the Chinese tradition. Both painting were signed as Tanyu with a red seal of Morinobu, his birth name. The storage box is also present and was inscribed with the title Painting of Geese and Reeds and Kano Tanyu...

A rare six-panel Japanese folding floor screen (Byōbu) by Soga Shōhaku (1730-1781) from Edo period. The screen depicts six perched hawk-eagles in various poses positioned in a litera...

Two Japanese scroll painting depicts scenes from the Tale of Genji (Genji-E), from Edo period. These painting were purchased from Odewara Shoten in the...

A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu). The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time. Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h. For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...

Horses Kano Tanshin Morimasa (1653-1718) Two-panel tea-ceremony Japanese screen or furosaki Ink on gold leaf, late 17th-early 18th century Measures: H 55 cm x W 182 cm The Kano school was closely aligned with the warrior class in Japan. The samurai, who lived in a closed and rigid hierarchical society established by the Shogunate, were drawn to the energy and freedom horses symbolize; Kano school artists commonly depicted the equine creatures as they are here, in unfettered and carefree family groups. China originally introduced horse paintings to Japan; the works typically focused on capturing the essence of horses in their various environments and often involved integrating human figures into the images. Kano Tanshin Morimasa (1653-1718) was the son of Kano Tanyu...

Material: Paper, Wooden Frame Single: W600×H1760mm Unfolded Size: W3640mm 12kg Folded Size: W620×H1760×D100mm Estimated packaging (sandwiched with 5mm plywood): 21cm x 72cm x 185cm...

Late 17th century Kano school peony landscape screens. Both screens signed: Hogan Josen Fujiwara Chikanobu Hitsu - Kano Chikanobu (Shushin) (1660 - 1728...

Material: Paper, Wooden Frame Single: W600×H1760mm Unfolded Size: W3640mm 12kg Folded Size: W620×H1760×D100mm Estimated packaging (sandwiched with 5mm plywood): 21cm x 72cm x 185cm...