Meiji period (1868-1912), late 19th century, six-panel folding screen, ink and colors on paper, painted with an autumn landscape of birds and flowers including a pair of Mandarin ducks swimming together below blooming blue kikyo (bellflowers), fujibakama (thoroughwort) blossoms, ominaeshi (golden lace) flowers, and susuki (Japanese pampas grass), signed Bunmin 文珉 together with two red seals to lower left of sixth panel, with brocade border and lacquer frame having decorative metal embellishments, traditional paper backing to reverse.


67 x 145.5 x 1 in.

From the Collection of a Lady, Charlotte, North Carolina

Bunmin was a pupil of Matsumura Keibun, one of the leading artist's in Kyoto's Shijo school. The Shijo school artists attempted to capture an immediate, subjective reaction to a stimulus from the world of nature. They aspired to represent nature in its essence, simplifying natural elements, reducing the scenes so as to present a serene and intimate view. The focus is on using only a few forms from nature and balancing them with empty space to create a calm and contemplative composition.

Some overall toning to paper; some minor discoloration to surface; some scattered repairs; fifth panel has a diagonal tear but stable at top left corner; some losses to gold leaf on seams; reverse side with patches and losses to paper backing; hangers placed some panels for hanging on a wall.

$1,000 - 1,500