RARE & IMPORTANT JAPANESE EDO PERIOD KIMONO SCREEN PAIR Folding Tagasode Byobu 2

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RARE & IMPORTANT JAPANESE EDO PERIOD KIMONO SCREEN PAIR Folding Tagasode Byobu 2:
$75000.00

MAGNIFICENT JAPANESE TAGASODE BYOBU PAIR,KIMONO FOLDING SCREENS
Edo Period Masterpiece
Rare and Important, Museum Quality

Exquisitepair of monumental Japanesesix panel folding screens, representing the epitome of Shogun era aesthetic. Without question, the finest screens that we have ever offered. A grand masterwork exhibiting sublime balance and harmony of composition. Bold, graphic depiction ofa collection ofsumptuously patterned kimonos folded and draped over black garment stands. Tagasode, literally meaning \"whose sleeves?\" evokes the intimateportrait of a loved one without actually revealing the individual. The image invites the viewer to imagine the one to whom the kimonos belong. Their character and essence is known solely by the choice of fine kimono fabrics, the subtle colors, the intricate patterns, and the suggested lingering fragrance of perfume upon the sleeves.

The Tagasode genre was displayed in thelarge homes and castlesof wealthy Samurai families and the Daimyo aristocracy during the early Edo Period, 1600s and 1700s. Rokkyoku byobusuch as this exquisite pair would have been utilized as room dividers to block drafts in the massive open spaces at a time when there was no central heating, or exhibited along the long walls ofgathering halls where important guests were entertained. As this set measures just under 25 feet in length when fully opened, it would have been commissionedby an important Shogun era family with an expansive residence. Tagasode Byobu are exceedingly rare, and as far as we are aware, all large pairs are heldinthe world\'s preeminent museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The screens are exquisitely rendered in pigment and gold upon a gilt paper ground,mounted with a border of silk brocade,framed in lacquered wood, and backed with woven fiber cloth (possibly bashofu) over heavy paper. Elegant images ofbeautiful coloration andsubtle detail span the length of both screens, with intricately renderedsymbolic imageryadorning the kimonos, including stylized botanicals,pine, bamboo, and plum, chrysanthemum flowers, abundant cherry blossoms, auspicious white cranes,a scenewith a wooden fishingboat with cormorants and baskets, swirling clouds, and rolling waves. Traditional Japanese patterns include shippo bishi (cloisonné pattern), seikainami (stylized waves), and karakusa (scrolling vines), rendered in techniques including embroidery, natural dyes, stenciling, shibori tie dye, hand painted imagery, and gold application.All reveal themselves gently the longer one views the screens. Too much to list, see photos for all of the tasteful artistry.

These superb Edo Periodbyobu are of grand size, and measure approximately25 feet wide as a pair when displayed flat (hung on a wall).Displayed standing and partially folded, length is determinedby the degreeto whichthey are opened, making them highly versatile works of art. When folded closed for storage or shipment, they measure approximately 25 inches wide by 68 inches high by 4.25 inches thick (each screen). The screensexhibit occasional scattered wear commensurate with age,as iscommonly found on Edo period Byobu. Some museumselect torestore, howevermanyprefer the natural aged state and patina. We would choose the latter in this case as the screens currently display in spectacular fashion.Byobu such as these rarely come on the open market.An extraordinary opportunity to own an importantSamurai era treasure. Would make an exquisite centerpiece for museum acquisition, fashion designer\'s studio,or the most discriminating collector of world classAsian antiques.

See 12 photos above left for all of the exquisitedetail. Click on large image to enlarge all with high definition feature.

NOTE: In a rarepublic offering of Tagasode Byobu in March of 2006, Christie\'s sold a pair for $968,000. See link for more information:

All reasonable offers carefully considered.

Terms: Paypal for tracked and insured shipment, or Cash for local pickup. Purchaser shall submit a $5,000 non-refundable deposit to secure the screens, and agrees to pay the remaining balance due within 5 business days. Due to this item\'s rarity and value, purchaser shall be responsible for arranging local pickup with packing, insurance,and shipping arrangements through purchaser\'s shipping company. We have delivered similar items with crated shippingwithin the United States for approximately $2000 to $2500. All financial transactions must be completed and cleared before delivery.

We have manyfine Asian antiques listed this week including Satsuma, Inro, Netsuke, Bronze, Foo Lions, Kutani, Jade, Coral, Baskets, Lacquer, Pottery, Snuff Bottles, Chado Tea Ceremony items, Tsuba, Menuki, Okimono, Woodblock Prints, Cinnabar Lacquer, Chinese Porcelain, Scrolls, Famille Rose, Ikebana Usubata, Yixing, Cloisonne, Hibachi, Kogo, Incense Censers, Okimono, Thangkas, Temple Items, and many more Chinese Antiques, Japanese Antiques, and Tibetan Antiques, from the Ming, Qing, Edo, and Meiji Periods. Click link above right to see our other items.

We have been in the antique business for 25 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed. If item is not as described, it may be returned in original condition for refund of purchase price, less the $5,000 non-refundable deposit. The items listed are antiques, and as such may have an expected amount of wear from normal use.Please note that cause for return does not includewear commensurate with age orcolor differences due to lighting or different computer monitors. Returns must be shipped back within 3 days of receipt. Buyer assumes all shipping and insurance fees. If you have specific questions about the item or condition, please feel free to ask before offerding and we will make every effort to respond promptly.International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, etc. imposed by the buyer\'s home country. Washington state residents pay 9.5% sales 2015. All rights reserved.