Tea-ceremony folding screen with flowers - Lacquered wood

An elegant Wajima lacquer two-panel tea-ceremony folding screen 風炉先屏風 (furosaki’byôbu) by Ichigo Icchô 一后一兆 (1898–1991), with canted upper outer corners and delicate sprays of flowering plants against a glossy black lacquer ground. The floral decoration extends across the lower portion of both panels, leaving a generous expanse of black above. Irises 花菖蒲 (hanashôbu), orchids 蘭 (ran), dandelions, bush clover 萩 (hagi), fringed pinks 撫子 (nadeshiko) and bellflowers 桔梗 (kikyô) are arranged in separate groups, interspersed with slender grasses and trailing foliage. Iridescent shell details catch the light amongst the warm golden tones and muted shades of green and reddish brown. The decoration is executed in polychrome low-relief lacquer design 平蒔絵 (hiramaki-e), with a golden undertone, complemented by mother-of-pearl inlay 螺鈿 (raden) and textured details. Sprinkled gold lacquer 梨子地 (nashiji) and cut gold foil 切金 (kirigane) add further variation to selected flowers and leaves. Signed in the lower left corner 一兆作 (Icchô saku), meaning ‘made by Icchô’. Complete with an inscribed, signed and sealed wooden storage box 共箱 (tomobako). Ichigo Icchô 一后一兆 (1898–1991) was a lacquer artist from Ishikawa Prefecture, recognised for his work in Wajima lacquerware and maki-e decoration. His work combines a distinctive use of colour with assured compositions and delicate detail. He is particularly associated with tea ceremony utensils, including tea caddies 棗 (natsume). Period: Japan – Shôwa period (1926–1989). Dimensions: Height 45.7 cm, Total width 173.2 cm (2 x 86.6 cm). In very good condition, with small chips along the edges. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.

Estimate:£593.32

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