"Nanban Ship at Arrival", Early to Mid Showa Era Japanese Byobu Screen

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This circa 1930–1960s Japanese four-panel painted byobu (folding screen) depicts a panoramic Nanban-style black ship arrival, inspired by Japan’s historic … Read more This circa 1930–1960s Japanese four-panel painted byobu (folding screen) depicts a panoramic Nanban-style black ship arrival, inspired by Japan’s historic encounters with Portuguese and other European traders. The composition features a large Western sailing ship with a dark ornamented hull, billowing white sails, sailors climbing the rigging, and European figures wearing broad hats, ruffs, capes, and ballooned trousers. Along the shore, foreign merchants meet Japanese samurai or officials, including a prominent figure accompanied by an attendant carrying a red parasol.

Signed and sealed by artist. Gouache, watercolor and ink on gold-leaf style foil plates over paper. Silk border. Lacquered black wood frame with engraved copper corners, plaques and medallions, showing some age patina. Paper on back. Japan, early-to-mid Shōwa Era, circa 1930-1960s. Very Good condition for age - some age wear overall, minor pigment losses, minor scratches, minor age wear on joints, age patina, clean, sturdy.

Overall fully unfolded 71.15"W x 0.75"D x 36.10"H See less