history
Japanese folding screens (Byōbu), have been a part of Japanese tradition and culture for several hundred years. Prototypes of the screens are known to have existed in the mid eighth century when 100 screens were recorded to have been donated by Empress Kongo to the Todaiji Temple in Nara, the ancient Japanese capital. Byōbu screens (literally translated as “wind screens”), are free standing and portable, even though some of the larger multi-panel screens have considerable weight.
As the name Byōbu suggests, they are primarily designed and used as wind protectors and attractive room or space dividers. They are also used as decorative items, brought out on special occasions as free standing artworks.






The screens were prepared using gold or silver leaf onto a paper backing (silk was also used as a backing sometimes). An artist would then paint onto the prepared screen, using paint or ink. The images are usually traditional and depict such scenes as landscapes, nature, village life, plants and animals, with birds featuring frequently. Wealthy collectors in old Japan would own several screens and would rotate them throughout they year. So the images often represent the different seasons.
Byōbu screens were expensive to produce and purchase, so they would be found in palaces, temples and homes of the elite. Many of the screen artists became renowned and left their signature on the screens which allow us to trace their origin. However many of the screens remained unsigned which means their date and place of origin can only be estimated.
Today, antique Japanese screens, many of which have stunningly beautiful artworks painted on them, can be seen displayed as pieces of art in museums, galleries, boutique hotels, corporate offices and on the walls of sophisticated interior designed homes.

our plain (unpainted) screens
Some of the gold leaf and silver leaf screens were left unpainted and used as simple wind protectors, room dividers, or as a backdrop to display a valuable article like a ceramic vase or sculpture. Over the years, the ambient atmosphere causes oxidisation which can create a beautiful patina on the screen. Because silver is more affected by oxidisation, silver leaf screens tend to have stronger and more varied patinas. As you can see, they are literally pieces of art that have been “painted” or created by time. Each piece is unique and cannot be reproduced.
We have decided to focus on these unpainted screens, since we love their aesthetic and they can be difficult to find. We feel they fit beautifully into a variety of modern contemporary styles as well as classic interiors. They have to be seen in real life to be fully appreciated, as it is difficult to reproduce the glow and depth of tone and shade in a photograph. Their look changes considerably depending on the light shining on them. For example, they can look very different during the day with window light to how they appear in the evening with artificial lighting. If you move them around the room or fold the panels slightly, they can look different again.
We can also obtain painted screens and search for a particular design and size of screen on your behalf.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements or to learn more about the screens we have in stock.
