Scroll painting, black ink on paper depicting Orchids and Rock. Attributed to Ike no Taiga (1723–1776). Sealed and signed Kiuka ( one of the many “go” or style name of Ike no Taiga (1723–1776) was born and lived in Kyoto during the Edo period, he was a prolific painter, calligrapher and a literati with a strong passion for classical Chinese scholar painting technique; he is one of the representative name of the Nanga school of painting though he did many decorative paintings...

Antique Japanese large framed watercolor painting by A. Yoshida. A scene featuring a calm river cut between mountains. A lone figure carrying a large basket on their back approaches a group of huts on one side of a wooden bridge. On the mountain sides, colorful foliage adorns the trees possibly alluding to a late summer or early fall season. In a carved wood frame. Signed by the artist: A. Yoshida. Painted in watercolors on paper...

Antique Japanese framed scroll painting by the artist Mori Sosen (1747-1821), Japanese painter of the Shijō school during the Edo period. Although he did paint other animals and birds, Sosen is most famous for his paintings monkeys. In this painting, a mother monkey grooms her young one. Her expression is one of intent concentration while her little monkey protests. Sosen was a master at painting monkeys, delineating every hair and creating a soft effect...

An antique Japanese large rare Ema (votive prayer board) hand painted in Makie gold over a black lacquer background. A hand forged iron pin mounted to the top center of the frame was used to securely hang this dedication sacred object at a Japanese shrine.

Back in the day, live horses were donated and dedicated to a shrine. As the times changed, prayer boards were donated instead with painted horses replacing the live ones...

Antique Japanese scroll painting depicting a dragon in clouds. In his left-hand claws, he holds the flaming hoju, the wish-granting pearl. Storm clouds billow below him. Painted in sumi ink on silk with details in white and gold ink.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: total size of scroll 75" high x 10 3/4" wide (12 1/4" wide including rollers). Size of art: 45 1/4" high x 9 3/8" wide

MUDRA OF ESOTERIC BUDDHISM

10 pieces of the practitioner’s manuscript of various hand-signs called ‘tein’ (also ‘inso’, ‘ketsuin’) as the mudra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudra) of ‘mikkyo’ (Japanese Esoteric Buddhism), as the symbolic or ritual gesture or pose performed with the hands and fingers for marking each secret of various buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, etc. Early 20th century. approx. 31 x 26cm (12.20 x 10.23in) each...

Hanging scroll. Portrait of probably Sugawara no Michizane, sitting in court dress - a black garment with a long white sash - holding a wooden mace. The black garment, with red liner, is delicately decorated with flowers between waving lines. The sash also decorated with stylized flower shapes.

Tosa style. Signature at bottom: Yuho Issho ga. Red seal: Issho no in.

Colors on silk.

Japan, early 19th century.

Painted area: 23 5/16 x 10 13/16 in...

An antique Japanese Byobu screen in 2 panels depicting a Cherry Blossom tree with Bamboo and a full moon on a spring evening. Artist signed and painted in a Sumi-e technique over Gofun paper, he has sprinklings of gold specks to give the illusion of the last tidbits of sunlight fading into an evening moon. The frame was finished in a Negoro Urushi lacquer.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 68 3/4" High by 70 3/4" Wide

Antique Japanese byobu screen painting in six panels depicting a scene of a pair of pheasants sitting on the branch of a weeping willow tree. Ever feather is painted with care as is every leaf on the cascading willow. Lichen grows on it's gnarled trunk and a river flows calmly by. New shoots of bamboo peek over a low lying gold mist and pink azaleas spring from the rocks near the water...

Antique Japanese byobu (screen painting) depicting a tiger. Standing in a bamboo grove, he looks upwards towards the gathering storm clouds. Bamboo leaves start to blow in the wind. Nearby a small stream crashes over rocks...

Antique Japanese Esoteric Buddhist scroll painting depicting seated Amida Nyorai (Buddha Amitabha) flanked by the 12 Jūniten (Deva Guardians). The 12 Jūniten (6 on either side) are identified as Taishakuten (Skt. Indra) Lord of Jūniten, Katen (Skt. Agni) of Southeast and Fire, Enmaten (Skt. Yama) South and the Underworld, Futen (Skt. Yayu) Northwest and Wind, Bonten (Skt. Brahma) Heaven, Suiten (Skt. Varuna) West and Water, Bishamonten (Skt. Vaisravana) North and Wealth, Rasetsuten (Skt....

Japanese Zenga scroll painting of a staff by the Zen master Nakahara Nantenbō (Toju Zenchu) (1839–1925). Born into the Shioda samurai clan in Saga Prefecture, Nantenbō lost his mother when he was 7 years old and was sent to Yukoji monastery to study as a novice when he was 11 where he became a monk of the the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. From there he trained at many different centers, making a pilgrimage to visit twenty four leading Zen masters, earning an inka (certificate of enlighten...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of Buddha Amitābha also known simply as Amida Buddha and two Bodhisattva attendants: Sanzon Bosatsu (with both hands holding a lotus blossom) and Seishi Raigo Bosatsu (with hands in gassho adoration mudra). The central figure, Amida Nyorai stands with each foot on a lotus blossom, floating on swirling clouds as he descents. His hands are in vitarka mudra, also known as Raikō gesture of welcoming souls to Paradise (Jōdō or Sukhavati in Sanskrit). Golden rays...

A Minimalistic Hanging Scroll Painting by Okada Hanko Hanging scroll painting depicting a group of rocks. Ink on paper. Signed Hanko and two seals. Okada Hanko (1782-1846) a Nanga painter and Caligrapher. He was born in Osaka, the son and pupil of Okada Beisenjin. Like his father, he served for a period as a Confucian scholar to Lord Todo of Tsu; at the age of 43 he resigned and joined the circle of intellectuals in Osaka and started to study Chinese painting specialising in misty landscapes...

Eight paintings on paper illustrating some excerpts from The Chronicle of the Heike (1968), a historical novel by the Japanese writer Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962). He describes with great realism, the accession to power of the Heike clan warriors or Taira particularly his struggles with the Genji clan or Minnamoto.
An ancient and extremely popular tale in Japan, the Tale of the Heike was originally declaimed by monks accompanied by the biwa. The identity of the original author is not certai...

105" long late Meiji to early Showa period Japanese ink and color on silk scrolled painting by Yagioka Shunzan (1879-1941) depicting figures on a boat in a landscape scene. A craggy cliff with pine outcroppings rises sharply above the emerging boat. Signed in black ink at the lower right and with the artist's red seal below. Early 20th century. Scroll: 105" x 28 7/8" (painting: 63" x 22 1/8"). Very good overall condition. The right top mounting section is slightly tattered on the right edge...

Large Japanese early Meiji period sumi ink on paper scroll by calligrapher Ito Keishu (aka Ito Shinpei), who was active circa 1870s to 1890s. Signed and with three red seals. Paper mount and wood scroll ends. The scroll measures 79” x 32 1/2" (painting size: 54 1/2" x 26”). Good intact condition with some rubbing and soiling evident. There is a small distressed area or repair to the paper mid-way down the scroll on the right side (see enlargement). The top mount has a few old paper r...

A large hanging Japanese scroll of Daruma the founder of Zen Buddhism that dates to Circa 1900. Duruma has been painted in red and black, on fine silk, and mounted as a scroll using gold threaded brocade borders. The scroll ends are made of a tropical hardwood. The scroll has been signed and marked with the Seal of Kano Sanroka. The scroll measures about 21 3/4" x 80", and the picture by itself measures about 16" x 44". The condition is good. The mountings are original, and there is no dam...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of blossoming morning glories on a vine. painted in vibrant mineral colors on silk. Signed by the artist. "Kido Son, 貴堂草衣, (1899-1984) was born in Kyoto. He studied painting at the Kyoto Municipal School of Painting and under Yamamoto Shunkyo (1871-1933). His work was consistently accepted into the Teiten and Bunten National art exhibitions." Comes with original double box.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: Total: 55 1/2"...

Antique Japanese calligraphy scroll painting by the Confucian scholar, poet, koto musician, calligrapher and artist, Ryū Kōbi (also called Ryû Sôro) (1714-1792). Sumi ink on paper. With three seals, one being his trademark Dragon seal.

This work is Waka poetry done in traditional 5-7-5-7-7 syllables or a 5-line wake poem. Which traditionally calls up an image of nature that then alludes to an emotion. This poem is one written long ago by the famous Chinese poet Zhang Ji (A...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a noble courtier on horseback. He wears a green robe with swirling gold details and his horse is adorned in red tassels. His younger attendant hurries behind on foot. Both figures hold their long sleeves over their heads as they make their way through the snow. A tree in the background is partially obscured by a low mist. Painted in sumi ink and mineral colors on silk. Signed: Kiyohara shi onna Harunobu hitsu. Seal: Harunobu, Provenance Indianapolis M...

Japanese scroll with calligraphy around a bridge and blooming irises. With box and extensive writing. Ink and mineral colors on paper. Post-humous work of Kenzan's famous "Yatsuhashi" Artist Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) — biographical information here: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ogata-Kenzan And the seal at the bottom left is: 深省 An online source says this is Shinshо̄, but Shinsei could also be possible (and the bio link above mentions both) As the link says: His ...

Antique Japanese scroll with a small painting of a building, possibly a shrine or a palace with gate high in the mountains and surrounded by trees. Painted in ink and light colors on silk. Calligraphy and signature and with tomobako. The seals are hard to make out but lowest two read 白山, White Mountain, Hakusan, Hakuzan artist's name.

Dimensions: Total size: 41 1/4" high x 12 1/2" wide (14 1/4" wide with rollers). Size of art: 7 3/4" high x 6 1/2" wide

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a rugged mountain landscape. A house is nestled between trees and rock formations. A tiny figure in the lower mid-left climbs toward the house. Tanaka Hakuin (1866 - 1934) Hakuin was born in Suruga Province (present Shizuoka Prefecture) in 1866. His real given name was Keizaburo. Hakuin is a pseudonym. In 1883, when he was 17 years old, he went to Kyoto and became a disciple of Tanomura Chokunyu, master Nanga style painter. Hakuin was good at painting...

Hanging scroll. Various insects walking in line with luggage, simulating a lord (daimyo) traveling with his entourage to or from the capital (samurai or daimyo gyoretsu). A butterfly, suzumushi, praying mantises, yellow jackets and grass hoppers are traveling in a line, holding flowers and grasses for keyari, carrying a honeycomb for a palanquin, and berries for luggage.
Black ink and colors on silk.
Signed Bunrei; two red seals reading bun and rei.
Japan, mid 19th / second ha...

Antique Japanese small scroll painting for a shrine depicting the goddess Benzaiten (Benten). One of the 7 Lucky Gods, Benten is the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge. She originates from Saraswati, goddess of music. Here in this painting, she is in her 8-armed form called Happi Benzaiten. Each hand holds a specific buddhist attribute. She stands atop a dragon which hold a precious magic pearl in it's claws. On her crown is a small torii gate. Below, each on their...

Very small hand scroll showing five erotic scenes. High quality painting in the style of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849).

Black ink, colors, gofun, black lacquer on silk. Gold flakes (now oxidized) on the backing paper. Glass or crystal scroll ends.

Japan, Meiji era, 19th century.

L 82.5 x H 2.5 inches

Gold flakes oxidized, otherwise excellent condition.

Hanging scroll. A dragon shoots upwards through the clouds. Its head clearly visible, pointing straight up, the tail faintly disappearing in the darkness of the sky. Black ink on silk. Very skillful use of many shades of black and gray. Signed and dated in the lower left: Bunka year of the dog (1814), Fuyu and artist’s red seal Rintai.
Japan

Image: H 52.5 x W 20 in. Mounting: H 81.5 x W 25 in. (lower roller 27.25 in. wide)

Mounting in excellent condition, painting too.

Antique Japanese pair of paintings depicting two dragons in a dense mist. Gold flashes light up the clouds. Symbolizing the ultimate yang, or masculine energy, the dragon is the controller of both winds and water. Painted in sumi and gold ink on silk and signed by the artist. Both panels are loose (unmounted). Dates from 1834 or later by painter Kanō Seisen'in Osanobu (1796-1846) Some biographical information here: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG4764 Here he's...

A charming painting in ink and colors on silk depicting a young, long-haired girl in traditional dress with her back turned to the viewer. Signed: Nobumaru (Mitsubumi 1812–1879), a late Tosa School painter in the Nihonga tradition. Exquisite mounting. Meiji, c. 1865–1875. L 182 cm, W 60 cm. Picture frame: L 109 cm, W 42.5 cm. Condition: Very good.

Seated in meditation with open and compassionate heart, this bodhisattva is on a spiritual journey, postponing his own salvation in order to remain on earth to help others achieve enlightenment. In contrast to some images of the Japanese Bodhisattva (Bosatsu), often depicted as austere and inward looking, here, Kimura depicts the Bodhisattva as playful, carefree, and decidedly ornate. The inverted image of white contrast dye on black silk also makes for a striking composition.

A mas...

Pair of Japanese 6-panel screen paintings. Painted with a continuous scene of a rural landscape. Mountain pavilions sit atop high peaks reached by winding trails. Across an expanse of calm water stretches a long, low foot bridge occasionally interrupted by a sudden archway. Boats and tiny figures go about their business. Painted in sumi ink and with gold leaf on paper.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions of each painting: 67 1/2" high x 142 1/2" long

Japanese Edo Period scroll painting of a yamabushi, a mountain ascetic hermit or holy man. Often believed to be endowed with supernatural powers, the yamabusi follow the Shugendo doctrine, a religion that places heavy emphasis on feats of endurance. Throughout history, they have participated in battles along side samurai. In this painting, the warrior/sage is leaning on a walking stick. He is dressed only in leaves and animal skins. A hyotan gourd tokkuri flask hangs from a chord slung...

Late Meiji (1900s - 1910s) Japanese scroll painting in ink and colors on paper depicting 16 arhat - the original disciples of the historical Buddha - in different attitudes, most of them recognizable by their attributes. Excellent quality eccentric painting with wonderful half-mad faces, beautiful use of colors. Paper mounts, wooden scroll ends, in great condition. Exceptionally striking painting. Signed DOZO HIROKAMI FUDE (Treasury of Tao painted by Hirokami) followed red seal of the artist. In...

Antique Japanese screen painting of a beautiful woman or man, possibly a taikomochi or male geisha smoking a long pipe, leaning on a padded lacquered stand and wearing elegant flowing robes patterned with flowers. In the background stands a ink painting of a mountain landscape. The right hand panel is painted with a standing kimono rack, lacquered black with gold butterflies. Hanging from the rack are two exquisitely embroidered kimonos in the manner of the classic "who's sleeves?" subject ...

Antique Japanese pair of screen paintings, one of early Summer (or Spring): rabbits, blossoming wisteria and peonies. And the other of Winter: birds including sparrows and kingfishers with snow-covered bamboo and red clusters of berries on a large nandia bush. Painted using mineral colors and gold leaf on paper. Signed Eigaku Kano (1790-1867).

Eigaku Kano was the ninth head of the "Kyo Kano", the Kyoto branch of the Kano School. He is credited for reviving the Kano School and ...

The Ten Pleasures of Tea, ink on paper in a paper boarder with bamboo rollers befitting the rustic scene. Likely an image of the great poet and tea master, Bassho. Titled Charakujutoku (The Ten Pleasures of Tea). The image signed Kanzan, the calligraphy Kunsen.

Yamada Kanzan (Nagoya, 1856-1918) studied under Kosone Kendo and was a renowned literati and Seal Carver. He studied painting directly under Wu Changshuo in China and excelled at not only his trade of seal carving but also...

A pair of original Japanese full six panel byobu screens. Beautifully handpainted with sumi pigments on stunning silver leaf background. Depicting a naturalistic scene, including rolling hills, trees, and bay water expanse.
Byōbu (屏風, "wind wall") are Japanese folding screens made from several joined panels. May be used to separate interiors and enclose private spaces, creating a among other uses. May easily be mounted on the wall for a modern home today.

Sign...

A rare an Important work by Fukuda Suiko depicting a realizing all white realistic peacock on applied silver background. Very fine detail in every aspect. Pigment is layered to give a three dimensional feeling.
In Japan, Peacocks are associated with the deity called Kannon. Kannon is a Bodhisattva, which means she has prolonged her own eternal enlightenment to stay behind and help everyone who suffers in this world. They are a symbol of compassion and kind-heartedness, and it is be...

A beautifully hand painted two panel byobu screen depicting a young samurai being prepared for battle. Signed and sealed by artist 仙挙 Senkyo. Painting is of a servant kneels before the samurai helping to assemble the many layers of protective clothing an armor. A wise elder sees to small details making sure each layer is properly fitted and correctly worn. Matsumoto Senkyo, an artist who lived from 1880 to 1932 Senkyo was born in Nakasuji-mura, a village in what is now part of Seiyo ci...

An antique Japanese scroll of a recumbent cat gazing into the foreground amongst the blooming Peony flowers. Hand painted on silk using opaque pigments. Subject was painted in the style reminiscent of the Sung and Ming dynasty images of cats with the unusual exception of its gaze towards the viewer rather than looking up or at the flowers. Both the cat and the Peonies are auspicious symbols in the Japanese culture and often depicted in its art and poetry. It has an artist's chop seal 痴, (pron...

Pair of ancient paintings on paper, with polychrome colours and gold. The first painting represents a noble lady, in formal attire, sittings on an elevated platform. Two characters are painted at the back. This painting is partly folded, the paper is stained due to age and has suffered three insect attacks. The second painting represents a noble man in formal attire and sitting on an elevated platform. Two characters are painted at the back. This painting has suffered three insect attacks and th...

Large Japanese antique sumie dragon flying in clouds scroll. Exuberantly painted on silk with lovely splashes of ink. Brown brocade mounting. Good condition. Signed and sealed signed Hōgen Nyosen, one of the names used by Kanō Chikanobu (1660-1728), a leading Kano-school painter of the eighteenth century Edo. (Hōgen means "dharma eye" and Nyosen means "river-like"). Translation reads that he painted it at the age of 67. The characters are: 法眼如川行年六十七歳筆 Hōgen Nyosen ...

Large Japanese Zenga calligraphy scroll of the character 'KOTOBUKI', or long life, longevity. Bold, large brush strokes showing great intensity. Signed and sealed with three red seals by the artist. Small black kanji translates with the first 4 characters: 日光門主 Nikkō Monzu, who was a very high-ranking monk of imperial lineage at the temple, Rinnō-ji, in Nikkō. The seals used by monk show his rank and importance. The bottom left seal in red says: 日光山 輪王寺 門跡印 ...

19th century Japanese scroll in ink and colors on silk depicting a woman beating a piece of clothing with a mallet by an old bamboo fence. Beautiful work perfectly capturing the essence of the scene, elegant composition, subtle use of color. Signature appears to read SOTANI and is followed by 2 red seals of the artist. Silk brocade mounts, rosewood scroll ends, excellent painting for use during tea ceremony. Painting size 10.25 x 7.75 inches, scroll size 36 x 9.75 inches.

Japanese scroll painting in ink on paper depicting a silhouette of a geisha. Signed YOSHIKUNI by the artist and dated 1917, followed by a red seal of the artist. Excellent composition, great depiction of robe lines beautifully done in ink washes. Silk brocade mounts, wooden scroll ends, creases as can be seen on photos. Painting size 50 x 11.5 inches, scroll size 70 x 15.75 inches.

Late Meiji (1900s - 1910s) Japanese scroll painted with ink and slight color on silk depicting a scholar with his books on a low table in front of him as he quietly rows in a boat under an overhanging rock with trees, misty hills in the background. Wonderful painting in scholarly taste, beautiful subtle use of ink washes, perfectly captured mood of the scene. Signed BOKEI followed by two red seals of the artist, paper mounts, rosewood scroll ends, in great condition. Painting size 40 x 16 inches...

19th century Japanese scroll painting in ink and color on paper depicting a group of 13 officials, scholars, monks, ascetics and sages in the clouds observing a strange scene below described in the ink inscription as a “Picture of a Village Meeting to Honour a Genius”. It shows a Chinese scholar seated at the table and about to start writing in a scroll, a table with bronze vessels and one demon, one human attendant behind him, and 3 more figures in front of him. Visually rich and detailed p...

A Japanese Tsukioka Yoshiyoshi tryptch "Toin no Akinotsuki" from the "Legend of the Hero and Warrior" series. Autumn Moon at Toin: Flute Player Yasymasa. The print is signed by Toshiyoshi (1839-1892)who is considered one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e. The triptych is a woodblock print with Katada Chojiro, the publisher hand stamped in the left hand corner.

Date: 1894

Dimensions:13.25"h x 27.25"w

A rare pair of original Japanese six panel screens depicting the four seasons of Ginza. The panels are painted in the traditional Kano school. Using exceptional technique, the images are hand painted with natural rimpa paint and ink and gold leaf ground on gofun paper. The six panels depict the seasonal landscape of a Ginza garden. Excellent overall condition.

Date: Edo Period (Early 19th Century)

Dimensions:41 1/2” high X 110 1/2” wide (Each screen)

An unusual Japanese six panel screen of Ducks, Egrets, and Pheasants. Painted with rimpa paint on an unique mix of gold and silver leaf gofun paper, which gives the screen an incredible look and balance of cold and warm tones, depending on lighting. The painting composition shows influences of natural history and the importance of empty space.

Date: Meiji Period (early 19th Century)

Dimensions: 67” high X 147 1/2” wide

An antique Japanese six panel screen depicting a quiet pool with birds taking a rest amongst the grasses and flowers. Ink and light colors on paper. Silk boarder. Condition consistent with age.

Date: Taisho Period (early 20th Century, 1912-1926

Dimensions: 65” high X 148” wide

An antique Japanese 4-panel screen painting. Each of the flowers shown has a meaning known as the Language of Flowers, depicting Love, Loyalty and Family. Painted with mineral pigments and raised gofun on gold leafed paper.

Date: Taisho Period

Dimensions: 67 1/2” high X 96” wide

A truly stunning Japanese six panel screen hand painted with raised rimpa paint on gold ground leaf gofun paper. The subject matter is a view of a natural overgrowth of hollyhock, sweat peas, and morning glories cascading and creeping over the bamboo fence.

The Hollyhock flower in Japan represents is fertility and fruitfulness. During the end of its life cycle when the leaves and stem begins to droop, the hollyhock produces a round disk that encompasses many different seeds so th...

Antique Japanese 6-panel byobu screen painting depicting a noble woman's carriage (gosho-guruma) parked under a blossoming cherry tree (sakura). The tassel cords are untied. The yoke rests on a black lacquered stool. The cart is decorated with irises and peonies with raised rimpa paint. The sudari is shut closed with chrysanthemum pattern curtains billowing out. Painted in mineral colors and raised gofun on gold leaf. Provenance: Warren Imports, La Jolla, California.

Edo Period (...

A 19th Century Japanese six panel screen of Nara preparing for the Matsuri Wakakusa Yamigaki festival. This elegant bird's eye view of the city of Nara in the Edo period depicts a scree of village life in preparation for the traditional rice festival. Dancing and drinking are on display and the excitement fills the air with anticipation. The Nara temple is the major sponsor of the activities. The temple is open to patronage and veneration. This festival celebrates the rice harvest for the city. ...

Early 18th C Edo period Japanese byobu painted screen of scholars in retreat. It is composed of 2 panels. The screen has a predominate gold leaf ground on gofun paper. Paint composition is a mineral rimpa paint. The subject matter is a belief of mythology made real. Shu-ton (a scholar's attendant) found a longevity turtle that is believed to be 1000 years old. This turtle is also known to be a messenger to the gods. The expression on the master's face reflects wonderment. He is able to find an ...

Japanese 17th century Momoyama Period six panel Byobu painted screen of the Tale of Genji. This remarkable screen is in great form painted with rimpa polychrome mineral paint on gold gilt gofun paper. The composition is complex and it allows the viewers to have a bird's eye view of the scene and events amidst swirling clouds. The exaggerated foliage and scale of the courtly figures are dynamically composed with tranquility and balance.

The Tale of Genji is a masterpiece of Japanese lite...

A mid-century 18th C Japanese Tosa school six panel byobu painted screen. Rimpa paint of gofun paper with gold leafed clouds dividing each of the scenes. The screen begins by exposing us to the art of seduction by listening to poetry. The proper approach to a desired lady was through poems written on scented paper of the finest quality by an elegantly dressed go-between of appropriate social ranking. Gifts are exchanged & elegant conversation is followed with the female dressed within layers of ...

Antique Japanese album with 12 pages of paintings depicting one large scene of rural life. A woman with a child carries lunch to workers in rice paddies. A man and ox plow a field of grain. Two men chat as they peddle an irrigation apparatus while a child looks on. At a mill, men sift and grind grain. Many other charming vignettes, including a man with a monkey. Painted in mineral pigments and sumi ink on paper with gold leaf and square flecks. Bound in silk with dragons. Signed on the ...