First rotation: November 6 - 30, 2001
Second rotation: December 1- 22, 2001

Folding screens (byōbu) vary in size from the very large pairs that functioned as room dividers or backdrops for important events, to smaller more intimate works intended for quiet contemplation. The screens accordion-like format often makes them more powerful and easily accessible than hanging scrolls or prints, as they enter into the space of the viewer. Artists, particularly those of the Edo Period (1615-1868), incorporated the folds of the screen into their compositions to enhance their dynamic appeal.

During the Edo Period, Japan was open to only a handful of foreigners—mostly Dutch and Chinese traders. Japan was a great mystery to the outside world, revealed only partially through travelers tales and exported porcelain and lacquer. Folding screens were not made for export—they are art for and of the Japanese people.

Edo Japan interpreted itself on the screen format in a number of different ways. One of the most popular was by looking to Japans classical past, thus some of the folding screens on view illustrate selections from Japanese classic literature, such as the Tale of Genji, or scenes of famous battles, though contemporary literature was also heralded on screens. Others depict the ideal of the cultured Edoite engaged in leisure pastimes and Elegant Pursuits, while still other byōbu are a format to show mans relationship with animals, nature and the changing seasons, seen in for example with the bold and decorative Rimpa screens.

This rotating exhibition will be your last change to revisit with some familiar friends before they are packed for exhibition in March, and also a wonderful opportunity to view screens never before exhibited at the Lee Center.

We invite you to join us as we unfold our screens and reveal to you the hidden spirit of Edo.

THE INSTITUTE | COLLECTION | MEMBERSHIP | HOME