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A rare wooden sliding door with Japanese paintings/1800-1920/Edo-Meiji

About the Item

This is a wooden sliding door produced in Japan from the late Edo period to the Meiji period. This piece, which must have watched over people's lives for many years, is more than just a piece of fixture; it is a work of art worthy of appreciation as a painting. It is thought to have originally been used inside temples and wealthy houses, and is characterized by the different designs on the front and back sides. It is a very atmospheric design that allows the surface to be changed according to the space, season, or mood. On the surface, a group of white chrysanthemums in full bloom and butterflies dancing around them are delicately depicted. Since ancient times, white chrysanthemums have been considered a noble flower and believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits. In Japanese culture, chrysanthemums symbolize the wish for family happiness, and butterflies signify change, growth, and eternal life. The composition of these two nestled together is truly an auspicious design wishing for happiness and long life. The background is decorated in gold, enveloping the dancing butterflies with soft light and creating a fantastic atmosphere. The petals are painted in gofun (Chinese lacquer powder), and each petal has a three-dimensional effect, showing the careful craftsmanship of the artist. The reverse side depicts an egret with wings spread wide, quietly descending. The wide margins and the composition of the image emphasize the grace and movement of the egret even more. In the lower part of the painting, flowers and grasses, perhaps lotus, are discreetly arranged, giving the painting a very serene and dignified atmosphere. The egret is a bird that represents “purity” and “good omen” in Japanese culture, and the lotus is a flower that symbolizes “purity of mind” and “rebirth” in Buddhist terms. Now that it has completed its role as a sliding door, this work is now a painting that beautifully directs the space. It looks great not only in a Japanese-style room, but also in a modern space or gallery-style interior. It can be hung on the wall by attaching metal fittings to the wall. Although there are some age-related defects such as peeling of the gofun, minor rubbing, and dents, it is this texture that gives the work its depth. The lower left side of the egret depicted on the frame is partially chipped. The white chrysanthemum part is particularly delicate and easily peeled off, so please handle with care. Please note that due to the delicate nature of the gofun (white shell powder pigment) used in the painting—especially in the chrysanthemum area—there is a slight risk that some of it may flake off during international shipping due to vibration or impact. While we will take every precaution to pack the item as carefully and securely as possible to minimize any chance of damage, we kindly ask for your understanding should minor flaking occur in transit. We deeply appreciate your understanding and support, and we promise to do our utmost to ensure the piece arrives safely and beautifully. A gem of culture, aesthetics, and the memory of a long time condensed into a single piece. We hope you will welcome it as an art piece that speaks of a new value of beauty beyond the role of fittings in the modern age. In general, there are very few items with delicate paintings on wooden sliding doors like this, making them very rare items. There are no two items that are the same, making this a one-of-a-kind piece. Please take advantage of this opportunity. Size: w91.3-91.5 cm d3.2 cm h171.4-172 cm Weight: 8.8 kg
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 67.72 in (172 cm)Width: 36.03 in (91.5 cm)Depth: 1.26 in (3.2 cm)
  • Style:
    Edo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1800-1920
  • Condition:
    Due to the delicate nature of the gofun pigment, especially on the white chrysanthemums, there is a small risk of minor flaking during shipping. We will pack the item with the utmost care to prevent this, but we kindly ask for your understanding in c.
  • Seller Location:
    Sammu-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5487244647432

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