96 - JAPAN, 18th century

JAPAN, 18th century Table-top folding screen in inlaid lacquer, attributed to Ogawa Haritsu (Ritsuo, 1663–1747) or one of his close disciples. Rectangular in shape with slightly rounded corners, the work is set within a wooden frame and rests on two console legs. One side depicts a scene from *The Tale of Genji* (*Genji Monogatari*), Chapter 27, titled “The Braziers” (*Kagaribi*). On the left, an ox-drawn cart (*gosho-guruma*) stands near a maple tree (*kaede*); beneath the trees, courtiers and their servants are gathered around a small fire, waiting peacefully while warming their sake. The The reverse side depicts a dancer portraying *Ranryô’ô*, a character from *bugaku* (court dance); he wears a mask with a fierce expression and loose-fitting garments in bright colors—red, green, and white—adorned with delicate patterns of blue clouds and floral emblems. Beside him, a snake coils, its tongue extended. On the left, a green seal bears the character “Kan” (観). The panel is richly decorated using the techniques of *hiramaki-e* (low-relief lacquer), *takamaki-e* (high-relief lacquer), and *togidashi maki-e* (polished lacquer), all enhanced by a combination of inlays made from various materials. The lower part of the frame incorporates an openwork softwood panel, backed with hardwood. Dimensions: Height 45 cm, width 41 cm, depth 17 cm (Signs of wear, minor chips ... )