Splendid Screen from India

This exquisite vintage screen is from India. Intricately carved and hand painted on both sides, this wooden divider features scenes of courtly lovers and elaborately dressed men and women in colorful traditional costumes, bordered by delicate floral designs. The screen, from the trim on the painted clothing to the pierced work on the screen, is lavishly accented with gilt.

 

Although the tradition of miniature painting existed in India perhaps as early as the 7th century CE in illustrations of Buddhist scriptures, the style of painting on this superb screen reflects the influence of the Mughal dynasty. Ruling India from 1526 CE to 1857 CE, the Mughal period was established by Babur, a descendent of Genghis Khan. His son, Humayun, was forced into exile, but returned with the assistance of the Persian Shah. Influenced by his time in Persia, Humayun brought with him Persian miniature artists as part of his court. His son, Akbar, was able to consolidate the empire and established an atelier of over hundred painters. Over time, the Persian tradition melded with Indian influences, moving from chronicling the events of the Mughal courts to illustrating Hindu epics and history as artists migrated to other regions of India, establishing their own schools and styles. This fabulous folding screen is like having your own portable private gallery of traditional Indian art.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

14799-60

Screen Time

This antique screen is a lovely example of the Japanese art of Shibayama. Shibyama features an intricate inlay of a variety of carved materials, such as mother-of-pearl, bone, or coral, on a background, often of contrasting lacquer or wood. Instead of being flush with the background, the carved pieces are slightly raised, giving a three dimensional effect. This lovely and luxurious two panel screen features an elegant dressed woman and a little girl among flowering branches, birds, and butterflies. 

Most of the delicate and detailed inlay is carved from shimmering mother-of-pearl, with the figures' faces and hands sculpted from bone.

 

The shibayama panels are on dark lacquer, framed by red lacquer painted with a stylized floral design. The wooden top and bottom of each panel are intricately carved as well. The top edge features an adorable Japanese dormouse about to feast on some tempting fruit. 

The shibayama technique was developed in the late 1700s in the town of Shibayama. The technique was used on a wide variety of items, from tiny netsukes (carved toggles used to fasten a pouch or container to a kimono sash) to large room screens. The craft reached its peak during the Meiji era (1868-1912), during which Japan moved from an isolated feudal empire to a more modern, industrialized nation. This period saw a flourishing of Japanese art and crafts, as the government not only encouraged artisans, but actively promoted Japanese art for export, such as at the Paris World Exposition in 1867. 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15918-42