Japanese Zen Calligraphy Folding Screen, 1970s

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Description

Striking Japanese folding screen (Byōbu, 屏風) with expressive Zen calligraphy in sumi ink.

A remarkable Japanese folding screen (byōbu, 屏風) … Read more Striking Japanese folding screen (Byōbu, 屏風) with expressive Zen calligraphy in sumi ink.

A remarkable Japanese folding screen (byōbu, 屏風) composed of two panels, mounted with paper and boldly painted with a powerful and spontaneous ink wash calligraphy (sumi-e, 墨絵).

Dimensions: Height 176 cm, Width 85 cm × 2 (Total 170 cm), Depth 2 cm.

The movement and abstraction in the brushstrokes strongly reference the tradition of Zen calligraphy (禅書道), where the focus lies on the immediacy of the moment and the inner state of the artist. The calligraphy appears to represent a kanji character in an expressive yet intentionally free and intuitive style — typical of Zen aesthetics.

On the right side, a red seal is visible: a traditional hanko (判子) bearing the characters 川村 (Kawamura), presumably the artist’s surname. Dating: Likely late 20th century, Showa period (1926–1989).

The screen is in beautiful vintage condition, with subtle signs of age such as light foxing on the paper — a charming testament to its time.

A powerful, meditative piece that functions not only as a room divider or spatial element, but also serves perfectly as wall art in a modern or minimalist interior.

The energy and stillness of this work make it a true Zen statement. See less