The Tosa School was founded in the early Muromachi Period (14th-15th centuries), and was devoted to paintings specializing in subject matter and techniques derived from ancient Japanese art, as opposed to schools influenced by Chinese art, notably the Kanō school. Tosa school paintings are characterized by “areas of flat opaque color enclosed by simple outlines, where drawing is precise and conventional,” with many narrative subjects from Japanese literature and history.
Japanese screens, or byōbu in Japanese, originated in China as far back as the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.). Byōbu literally means “wind wall,” and the original purpose of the screen was to block drafts in traditional open-layout Japanese homes. This method began in Japan in the late Nara period, around the eighth century. To suit Japanese tastes and needs, byōbu design developed from a standing single panel screen to multiple paneled folding screens during the Nara Period and subsequent Heian Period (794-1185).
In the Muromachi Period (1392–1568), as screens became more popular and common, the Japanese applied their own developments to the traditional Chinese design. The metal hinges were replaced with paper hinges, which allow folding in both directions, and make for a lighter, stronger design. Paper hinges are also more aesthetically pleasing, as the space between panels is vastly reduced, meaning that the painting can flow from panel to panel. At the same time, the frame construction became much lighter through use of a bamboo lattice frame and washi paper as the covering.
In the subsequent Azuchi-Momoyama (1568-1868) and Edo (1603-1868) Periods, the popularity of byōbu continued to increase, and samurai lords displayed screens in their homes as symbols of wealth and power. As a result, byōbu began to be made using striking gold leaf backgrounds and more colorful painting techniques. The sheen from the gold leaf covering also helped bring light into the otherwise dark castles and homes of the period.
Screen making has been an industry ever since the late Edo period. These days, there are very few places still making authentic byōbu.
We are pleased to offer a Fine and Unusual Japanese Six Panel Screen, Tosa School, 19th Century, Lot 162 in our June 28th Fine Sale, with an estimate of $8,000 – $12,000. This screen is depicting a Samurai Regatta in the Sea of Japan. The various Samurai clans are defined by the flags on their boats. There are a variety of everyday scenes on this screen for instance, in the upper right corner, men are burning the barnicles off of the bottom of the boat for a faster ride; while others on the bottom left corner are in a more celebratory mood. The beautifully painted details which enrich this festive scene are typical of the Tosa School.
References:
www.japanesescreens.net
Byōbu, en.wikepedia.org
For Further Reading:
