Showrooms

Edo Period Screen

Origin

Japan

Period

19th Century

Materials

Gold leaf, paint, paper

Dimensions

W.	128 in;	H.	54 in;	D.	1 in;
W.	325.12 cm;	H.	137.16 cm;	D.	2.54 cm;

Condition

Fair.

Creation Date

Early 19th Century

Description

An elegantly expressive work with beautiful compositional balance. A mysterious and moving narrative unfolds: The beatific little boy drifting downriver dominates the right-hand panels, while the left side of the screen depicts two women, one probably the distraught mother, beseeching the other figure. The fog beginning to engulf the river is created with different densities of gold leaf. We love the contrast between the golden fog and the indigo river, the delicate details of the women’s robes, the strangely bittersweet mood of the entire scene. The composition, while simple, is rich with emotional intensity.

This magnificent painting has been removed from the six-panel screen and mounted flat to conservation paper and panel. Hung with custom-made hardware of blackened steel.

Styles / Movements

Asian Art

200 Lex Booth Number

Incollect Reference Number

306330