106 - JAPAN - 19th century

JAPAN - 19th century Pair of *hinagata byôbu* screens (miniature screens for the Doll Festival), each consisting of six panels. They feature a continuous painting on a gold-leaf background, depicting flower-adorned carts (*hana'guruma*) along the banks of a river. Each cart carries a large bamboo basket (*hanakago*) overflowing with pink peonies (*botan*). Behind one of the carts stands a maple tree in vibrant autumn colors (*momiji*), while behind the other rises an elegant weeping cherry tree (*shidare'zakura*) in bloom. The lower part of the scene is accentuated by dense clouds formed from silver leaf. The painting is framed by a thin green border, followed by a wide border of greenish-brown brocaded silk. The entire piece is protected by a black wooden frame, complete with its original metal fittings. The paper covering the reverse side is adorned with a charming, hand-stamped motif depicting a small rabbit within a floral cartouche. The folding screens come with their original wooden storage box (*tomobako*), bearing an inscription in black ink that allows them to be dated: “On an auspicious day in March, in the Year of the Metal Dragon, the 3rd year of the Bunsei era” (1820). Dimensions: Total width (both screens joined): 294.8 cm. Width of a single screen: 147.4 cm (composed of panels measuring 25.3 cm and 24.2 cm); height: 55.1 (Signs of wear, restorations, etc.)