Lot 163 A TALL JAPANESE SIX PANEL BYÔBU WITH WEEPING APRICOT TREE 枝垂れ梅, BAKUMATSU PERIOD (1853-1867)

An exquisite tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) featuring a serene Rinpa School-style painting on goldish silver leaf, depicting a majestic ancient weeping Japanese apricot tree 枝垂れ梅 (shidare’ume). It is late winter, around February or March, as the first buds unfold into delicate pink and white blossoms. The wind gently shakes the branches, scattering the last traces of snow, creating puffs of white around the tree. The large, slanting trunk is adorned with moss, and two exotic birds perch gracefully on its branches. The base of the trunk adorned with a low red camellia 椿 (tsubaki).

Rinpa screens are known for their poetic interpretations of landscapes while maintaining botanical accuracy. Wealthy patrons historically used Rinpa screens like this one to create intimate spaces within larger reception rooms. They were rotated with the seasons to set the tone for tea ceremonies and other refined leisure pursuits.

The painting is rendered using natural pigments and ink on oxidized goldish silver leaf, which has developed a striking aged patina through natural oxidation, enhancing its depth and character. The screen is bordered by two silk brocade trims: a slender black-brown band and a broader ecru one, and it is encased in a black lacquered wooden frame adorned with gilt metal protective hardware featuring finely chiselled scrolling foliage.

Total width: 365.6 cm (2 x 61.8 cm and 4 x 60.5 cm); Height: 166.5 cm.

Considering its age—approximately 155 to 170 years old—the screen is in very good restored condition, with some traces of wear consistent with its age.