Byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) - Lacquered wood

A tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) adorned with twelve scenes illustrating the Confucian moral tales of filial piety 孝 (kô), inspired by the renowned Chinese classic Ershisi Xiao 二十四孝 (The Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars) in a naïve hand. Compiled during the Yuan dynasty by Guo Jujing 郭居敬, these stories spread widely across East Asia and gained lasting popularity in Japan during the Edo period. Celebrating values such as devotion, sacrifice, and reverence towards one’s parents and elders, the tales were frequently depicted in paintings, kimono designs, woodblock prints, and screens. Figures often appear in the form of karako 唐子 (Chinese children), dressed in classical Chinese garments. Among the episodes featured: • Yang Xiang Fights the Tiger 扼虎救親: A brave 14-year-old girl leaps upon a tiger to save her father from attack, driving the beast away. • Wang Xiang Lying on Ice 臥氷求鯉: A devoted son removes his clothing and lies on a frozen river to melt the ice and catch carp to satisfy his stepmother’s craving. Each vignette is rendered in colour and ink on mulberry paper, set against intricate Chinese-style architecture and landscapes, enveloped by swirling clouds of shimmering gold leaf. The composition is bordered by a thin brown inner, and broad navy outer silk bands and enclosed in a red lacquered wooden frame with protective metal fittings. Period: Japan – Early Meiji period (Second half 19th century) Dimensions: Total width 379.2 cm (2 x 64.8 cm, 4 x 62.4 cm); Height 174.5 cm Considering its age in a very good restored condition with some signs of wear conform age on both sides. Including restorations of the mounting and some touch-ups. Some repapering to the reverse. Please refer to the photos for a detailed condition reference. This screen is ideal for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a continuous narrative artwork. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.

Estimate:£1,770.69

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