Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese noren curtain. It is believed to be made from a traditional Japanese fabric called asa or basho, made from banana leaf fibers. Noren curtains were originally hung at the entrances of shops and homes, gently blocking outside views and breezes while also conveying a sense of the presence of people and the changing seasons, a presence born from Japan's unique lifestyle and culture. More than simply a room divider, noren curtains also quietly convey the aesthetic sense of the people and businesses that inhabit them.
The greatest appeal of this work lies in the ink paintings executed on the fabric. The moon, bamboo grass, rocks, and flowing river are depicted, making ample use of the white space, creating a tranquil worldview reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese landscape paintings. However, the depiction is by no means verbose; the bamboo grass is depicted with minimal, omitted lines, and the river is not depicted in full, leaving it to the viewer's imagination. In the center, a full moon is depicted only as an outline, and its understated depiction evokes a sense of transience and lingering beauty.
A two-character signature can be seen in the corner of the painting, but details about the artist are unknown. However, noren curtains painted directly onto them in ink like this are extremely rare, and I have only seen them a few times before. I think it is particularly noteworthy that such poetic, highly refined pictorial expression has been applied to a noren curtain, which is supposed to be a practical item.
Over the years, the entire fabric has taken on a slight brownish tinge, taking on the depth and tranquility that only comes with aging. This color blends with the pale ink colors of the ink, quietly blending into the space without making a strong statement. It pairs particularly well with white walls, and I highly recommend using it not only as a noren curtain, but also hanging it on the wall like a tapestry for viewing. I believe that just hanging one in a space will bring a sense of dignified space and the depth of time.
Size & Specifications
Cloth Width: Approx. 87.5 cm
Height: Approx. 150.5 cm
Cloth Thickness: Very thin (approx. 0.05 mm; exact measurements not taken)
Top Bamboo Rod Length: Approx. 98.5 cm
Item Number
OB314
It's impossible to say when we'll ever be able to find another antique noren...
Category
Late 19th Century Meiji Antique East Asian Furniture
