† A PAIR OF A SIX-PANEL BYOBU (FOLDING SCREEN) DEPICTING SCENES FROM THE TALE OF GENJI

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† A PAIR OF A SIX-PANEL BYOBU (FOLDING SCREEN) DEPICTING SCENES FROM THE TALE OF GENJI Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615–1868) Ink, watercolors, gouache, and gold and silver leaf on paper. Each mounted on silk brocade on six wood panels with metal fittings. Exquisitely painted to depict court scenes from the Tale of Genji, including the procession of courtiers, figures engaged in conversation beneath the delicate branches of cherry blossoms, and the serene interiors of palace gardens. SIZE 172.5 x 370.8 cm (each) The Tale of Genji captures the refined aesthetics of Heian court life, where aristocrats valued seasonal beauty and poetic sensitivity as measures of character and status. This screen painting reflects that world, with figures seated in a palace interior - partially opened to the landscape - contemplating flowering trees that echo the novel’s recurring themes of impermanence and longing. Just as in Genji, the architectural openness blurs the boundary between human emotion and the natural world, making nature a silent participant in the story of love and courtly life. Auction comparison: Compare a related pair of six-leaf folding screens depicting scenes from the Tale of Genji, also unsigned, Edo period, dated to the 18th century, size 94 x 270 cm, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 29 March 2005, New York, lot 177 (sold for USD 19,200 or approx. EUR 28,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

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