Japanese Black Lacquer Four-Panel Byōbu Screen
 
An exceptional Japanese four-panel folding screen, or Byōbu, dating from the early 20th century, beautifully executed in black lacquer and richly decorated on both sides.
The front side presents an elegant garden scene with finely dressed figures, children, bridges, flowering trees and distant mountains. The composition is enhanced with carved jade details and raised decorative hardstone elements, giving the screen a remarkable three-dimensional effect.
 
The reverse side is equally decorative, featuring a completely different landscape with mountains, rivers, pine trees and traditional bridges, painted in warm gold and copper tones against the deep black lacquer background.
 
This double-sided decoration is one of the most attractive qualities of the piece. Many antique folding screens have a simpler reverse side, while this example can be appreciated almost as two different artworks in one. It may be displayed from either side, making it especially interesting as a room divider, decorative backdrop or collector’s piece.
Fine gilt borders frame each panel, while the lower sections are decorated with traditional ceremonial objects, floral arrangements and refined East Asian motifs. Small turquoise decorative accents complete the elegant composition.
 
A beautiful and highly decorative early 20th century Japanese screen, combining lacquer work, hand-painted scenery, carved jade details and raised ornamental decoration.
 
Origin: Japan
Period: Early 20th Century, circa 1900–1930
Style: Japanese / Oriental
Materials: Black lacquered wood, jade appliqués, carved decorative hardstone relief, gilt decoration
Panels: 4
Decoration: Double-sided
Dimensions(per panel): 180 x 45 cm