Byôbu Screen with Chrysanthemums, Rinpa School, Edo / Meiji Period, Japan, 1800s

Elegant Japanese folding screen or byôbu 屏風 with six folding panels depicting chrysanthemums on a gold background. Fine lacquered wooden frame with metal fittings that protects and supports the work. Dated in the 19th century, between the end of the Edo period (1603-1868) and the beginning of the Meiji (1868-1912).
The main motif of this beautiful byôbu is a serene Rinpa School style painting on a golden background depicting a tranquil flower garden filled with white chrysanthemums. The painting reflects the gentle elegance characteristic of the Rinpa school, known for its refined depiction of nature. In Japanese culture, chrysanthemums symbolize happiness, love, longevity and joy.
Rinpa or Rimpa is the name of one of the most important schools of Japanese painting. It emerged in the 17th century with the artists Honami Kōetsu (1558-1637) and Tawaraya Sōtatsu (1643). Fifty years later, the style was consolidated through the Ogata brothers Kōrin and Kenzan. It flourished in Kyōto, Nara and Osaka, the political and cultural triangle of ancient Japan, with the support of wealthy merchants and old aristocratic families, who favored arts that followed classical traditions.
The artists of the Rinpa school worked in various formats, highlighting screens, fans, hanging scrolls, books printed on wood, lacquerware, ceramics and kimonos. Many of the works were used on doors and sliding walls (fusuma) of noble houses.
Theme and style were often borrowed from Heian period traditions of yamato-e, with elements from Muromachi ink paintings, flower and bird paintings from the Chinese Ming dynasty, as well as developments from the Kanō school of the Momoyama period . The stereotypical standard painting in the Rinpa style involves simple natural subjects such as birds, plants and flowers, with the background filled with gold leaf. The emphasis on refined design and technique became more pronounced as the style developed. To highlight the details, the artists used a technique popularized by Shōtatsu, called tarashikomi, which consisted of applying a second layer of paint when the first was not yet dry.
Considering its age, approximately 125 to 225 years, the byôbu is in good condition, with restorations and wear consistent with its age. The second panel features an old gold leaf restoration that has lost color over time. The protective frame was restored with great skill and expense in Japan, a process that required highly specialized craftsmanship.

Title of the work: Byôbu chrysanthemums
Period: 19th century; late Edo period/early Meiji period
Style/School: Rinpa
Country of origin: Japan
Good condition according to its age and use
Overall dimensions: 170 x 359.4 x 2 cm.
Dimensions per panel: 2 panels x 61.1 cm. and 4 panels x 59.3 cm.