A JAPANESE FOUR-FOLD BYOBU (PAPER SCREEN)

A JAPANESE FOUR-FOLD BYOBU (PAPER SCREEN)

MEIJI PERIOD, 19TH CENTURY

Painted in gilt, polychrome, sumi ink and white gofun, each panel enclosing a female Kabuki dancer or musician, the beauties wearing ornate garments decorated with brocade patterns, one with a design of open fans, another with auspicious characters; all reserved on borders of gold and black squares, 104cm x 178cm.