Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Style Six Panel Screen Horses in Stable

Details

Description

“Horses and Grooms in the Stable” – Japanese Showa Period Six-Panel Screen Inspired by Edo-Era Kano School Designs
Dimensions:
Height: … Read more “Horses and Grooms in the Stable” – Japanese Showa Period Six-Panel Screen Inspired by Edo-Era Kano School Designs
Dimensions:
Height: 37 in (39 in with hanging brass hooks)
Width: 81 in
Depth: 1 in
Origin: Japan
Era: Showa Period (20th Century)
Style: In the Style of Edo Period (Late 16th Century)
Materials: Ink, natural mineral pigments, gold leaf, mulberry paper, silk brocade, lacquered wood
Description:
This remarkable 20th-century Japanese six-panel screen (byōbu), titled “Horses and Grooms in the Stable,” is a masterfully rendered homage to Edo-period screen painting, specifically referencing the Kano school’s iconic equestrian compositions. It captures the elegance and structure of late 16th-century originals, but is distinguished by Showa-period craftsmanship and a unique visual flair.

Painted in ink and natural mineral pigments on gold-leafed mulberry paper, the screen features a rare palette dominated by green tones, lending a serene yet dynamic character to the scene. The composition depicts a stylized stable interior, populated with six spirited horses, grooms, and noble figures engaging in traditional pastimes, including a game of Go—a nod to the stable’s function as both utilitarian space and social showcase during the samurai era. Playful additions like monkeys and dogs enrich the narrative with symbolic energy and whimsy.

Framed in black lacquered wood and bordered with silk brocade, this screen beautifully bridges historic Edo themes with early modern Japanese aesthetics influenced by the Nihonga movement. The formal structure and symbolic motifs reflect Japan's intricate social hierarchy, from stable hands and monks to falconers and ceremonial figures. Though unsigned, the work’s composition and balance speak to skilled studio practice deeply informed by historical precedent.

Highlights:
Edo-period horse stable motif with rare playful elements like monkeys and dogs
Green-dominant palette—a rare color scheme in traditional screens
Gold leaf provides luminosity and depth
Excellent craftsmanship in Nihonga tradition with historical fidelity
From an estate in Santa Barbara, CA

Ideal for:
Collectors of Japanese screens or Asian decorative arts
Interior designers seeking a statement piece
Institutions or galleries with a focus on East Asian history or aesthetics See less