A Japanese Two Panel Folding Screen with Gibbons

Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji period (1868-1912), ink on paper, two panel folding screen, features three gibbons or monkeys in a tree, one monkey is featured in the center holding onto a branch with one arm while reaching towards the water below with his other arm, inscription to lower right side together with an artist seal, brocade border and lacquer frame with metal hardware.

DOA 60 x 56 1/2

From the Estate of the late Ralph L. Townes, Raleigh, North Carolina

This painting illustrates the popular theme in Zen Buddhist art of monkeys trying to capture the moon’s reflection in the water. This image originated with a Buddhist story in which five hundred monkeys hold onto each other’s tails and attempt to seize the reflection of a moon in a well, they fall when the branch from which they are hanging breaks. This image teaches the danger of pursuing a mirage, and the importance of distinguishing between reality and an illusion.


Very good condition; some light areas of loss or restoration; small puncture to seal on lower right corner.