Early 20th Century Japanese Gold-Leaf Two-Panel Byōbu Screen

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This elegant two-panel byōbu screen likely dates to the early 20th century and embodies the timeless refinement of Japanese folding … Read more This elegant two-panel byōbu screen likely dates to the early 20th century and embodies the timeless refinement of Japanese folding screens. Each panel is constructed on a lightweight wooden lattice frame and covered with overlapping sheets of washi paper, over which a continuous field of hand-applied gold leaf creates a warm, reflective surface. Subtle grid lines reveal the joins of the paper blocks, lending a gentle texture beneath the gleaming foil without disrupting the screen’s overall luminosity.

The narrow borders are finished in sleek black lacquer, providing a crisp contrast that frames the gold field and echoes the simplicity of traditional Japanese interiors. Hinged with unobtrusive metal fittings, the screen can be displayed fully extended as a radiant room backdrop or partially folded to define intimate spaces—ideal for tea alcoves, entryways, or contemporary living areas seeking a touch of historical sophistication.

Signs of age—delicate creases in the gold leaf, a few faint rub marks, and minute surface imperfections—attest to its authenticity and lend character in accordance with the aesthetic of wabi-sabi. Versatile in scale and finish, this early 20th-century byōbu is equally at home in minimalist modern décor or in rooms accented with richer tones, where its warm glow will become a focal point. See less