Byōbu

For other uses, see Byobu (disambiguation).
A six-panel byōbu from the 17th century
Pair of screens with tigers and dragon by Kanō Sanraku, 17th century, each 1.78 x 3.56 metres, displayed flat, which they would not be in use.
Screen with irises
Screen with pine trees

Byōbu (屏風, wind wall) are Japanese folding screens made from several joined panels, bearing decorative painting and calligraphy, used to separate interiors and enclose private spaces, among other uses.

History

Like many Japanese arts and crafts, folding screens originated in China; prototypes dating back to the Han dynasty have been found. The term "byōbu" figuratively means "protection from wind", which suggests that the original purpose of byōbu was blocking drafts. Byōbu were introduced in Japan in the eighth century, when Japanese craftsmen started making their own byōbu, highly influenced by Chinese patterns. Through different Japanese eras, byōbu evolved in structure and design, along with the techniques and materials used:

Japonism

The screens were a popular Japonism import item to Europe and America starting in the late 19th century. The French painter Odilon Redon created a series of panels for the Château de Domecy-sur-le-Vault in Burgundy, which were influenced by the art of byōbu.[1]

References

External links

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