Mid-20th Century Japanese 4-Panel Silk Brocade Byōbu Screen - "Tale of Genji" Scene

Details

Description

This is a Japanese byōbu (folding screen), specifically a four-panel screen. Based on the imagery—the distinct ox carriage (gissha), the … Read more This is a Japanese byōbu (folding screen), specifically a four-panel screen. Based on the imagery—the distinct ox carriage (gissha), the courtiers in Heian-style robes, and the blossoming wisteria—the scene depicts a famous episode from the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari).

1. Subject Matter & Narrative
The scene likely depicts the "Battle of the Carriages" (Kuruma-arasoi) or a related festive procession from the Heian period (794–1185).

The Ox Carriage (Gissha): This was the primary mode of transport for high-ranking nobility. In the Tale of Genji, a famous clash occurs when the carriages of Genji’s wife (Lady Aoi) and his lover (Lady Rokujō) fight for a spot to view a festival procession.

Wisteria (Fuji): Visible in the upper-left panel, wisteria is a symbol of the Fujiwara clan and high nobility. It often sets the season as late spring.

The Figures: The riders on horseback and the attendants on foot wear eboshi (tall black hats) and kariginu (hunting robes), which were the standard informal dress of Heian aristocrats.

2. Style and School
This screen is painted in the Yamato-e style, most likely by an artist of the Tosa School.

Technique: It uses "cloud-shifting" or "mist-cutting" compositions to separate different narrative moments.
Perspective: It employs the fukinuki yatai ("blown-off roof") or bird’s-eye perspective, allowing the viewer to look down into the scene.
Borders: The gold-patterned silk brocade borders and the brass hardware (the "cloud" shaped hangers at the top) are characteristic of late-Edo to mid-Shōwa period decorative screens.

3. Construction & Condition
Construction: These screens are made of a wooden lattice core covered in multiple layers of washi paper. The painting is applied to the final surface layer, often with mineral pigments and gold leaf or gold dust.

This striking four-panel Japanese byōbu (folding screen) captures a vibrant narrative scene from the classical Japanese epic, The Tale of Genji. Rendered in the traditional Yamato-e style, the composition features high-ranking Heian-period courtiers in a festive procession, complete with a traditional ox-drawn carriage (gissha) and riders on horseback. Elegant wisteria vines—a symbol of nobility—frame the upper panels against a backdrop of stylized golden clouds.

The screen is constructed with a traditional wooden lattice core and layered washi paper, finished with mineral pigments and gold-flecked accents. It is framed by a black lacquer-style wood border with ornate brass corner hardware and "cloud" hangers. This piece is an excellent example of mid-20th century classical revival, ideal as a wall-mounted focal point or a room divider.

Details & Dimensions:
Period: Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950s–1970s)
Styles: Japanese, Traditional, Edo (In the style of)
Materials: Paper, Wood, Silk Brocade, Brass, Pigment See less