Glimmering, gold-leaf folding screens in Japan were both furnishing and decoration, dividing large open spaces into more intimate and private areas. During the Momoyama and Edo periods, seasonal flowers such as poppies, irises, and morning glories became the entire focus of painting compositions. Five exquisite Japanese six-panel screens in the Museum's collection are reproduced on these notecards, each of which can be folded to create a standing screen.
3 each of 5 images, 15 cards and 16 envelopes per box. 13 3/4'' x 5 7/8'' when open.
3 each of 5 images, 15 cards and 16 envelopes per box. 13 3/4'' x 5 7/8'' when open.
- 3 each of 5 images, 15 cards and 16 envelopes per box
- 13 3/4'' x 5 7/8'' when open
Folding screens in Japan functioned both as a type of furnishing and as decoration. Byôbu, the Japanese term for folding screen, comprises two characters-byÔ refers to a wall, fence, or screen, and the character for bu, also read as fu, means wind. Literally, the byôbu functioned as protection against the wind. Screens served to divide large open spaces into more intimate and private areas, often for the purposes of dressing or sleeping. The glimmering gold-leaf surfaces characteristic of folding screens reflected ambient light and enlivened the space with the pictorial scenes upon them.