Lot 101 TALL 6-PANEL BYÔBU 屏風 (FOLDING SCREEN) WITH FÛZOKU-GA 風俗画 (GENRE PAINTING)

A fantastic, tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) showcasing a lively fûzoku-ga 風俗画 (genre painting) depicting a variety of bustling festivities from the Edo period.

In the upper right corner, a joyful procession is led by musicians and dancing children. At the centre, people are relaxing on raised platforms near an elaborate chrysanthemum garden 菊 (kiku), attended by elegant bijin 美人 (beauties) serving refreshments. In the lower left, along a busy street, men are planting tall pine branches outside a gate, possibly in preparation for a seasonal celebration.

Scenes continue to unfold across the landscape, depicting people from all walks of life, each vignette beautifully framed by drifting gold-leaf cloud banks.

Executed in colour and ink on mulberry paper, with gold leaf highlights. The flower blossoms rendered in low relief using gofun 胡粉 (white shell pigment). The composition is bordered by two silk bands: a slender ecru inner border and a wide navy-and-gold brocade outer border. Enclosed within a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with protective metal corners.

Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868–1912)
Dimensions:
Total width: 379.2 cm (2 x 65.2 cm, 4 x 62.2 cm)
Height: 174.7 cm

Considering its age, the screen is in good condition with restorations and traces of wear consistent with age. Some re-papering to the reverse. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference.