Japanese Screen Paintings – Art in Motion, Spirit, and Form
The Malcolm Fairley Gallery is proud to present a refined collection of Japanese screen paintings, each one a statement of elegance, balance and cultural heritage. These works offer an immersive encounter with Japan’s artistic traditions, capturing the essence of nature, poetry and symbolism that once graced private interiors and ceremonial spaces.
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Maekawa, Bunrei, 1837-1917
Pair of scroll paintings of monkeys
Meiji period, circa 1890
Watanabe Seitei
A set of four scroll paintings, ink and colour on silk, depicitng wagtails, a mallard duck, crows and doves, with brocade silk mounts
Signed Seitei with red seal
Meiji Period, circa 1900
Watanabe Seitei
A scroll painting of three pigeons on an autumnal maple branch
Signed Seitei with seal
Meiji period, circa 1890
A hanging scroll, ink and colour on paper, depicting two rats and Daikoku's mallet.
Signed Mizunoene no hi, Katsuhiro with a red seal. (Kagawa Katsuhiro 1853 -1917)
Meiji Period, circa 1900
Watanabe Seitei
A pair of scroll paintings by Watanabe Seitei, one depicting a hen beneath cherry blossom and the the other two doves in a branch
Meiji Period, circa 1890
A Window into Japan’s Artistic Soul
Japanese screen paintings, whether six-panel byōbu (screens) or smaller two-panel forms served not only as functional room dividers but also as monumental works of art, commissioned to reflect figural and seasonal themes, allegorical stories or Zen-inspired simplicity.
Meiji Period and Beyond: A Tradition Evolving
While our focus is on Meiji period artistry (1868–1912), the gallery also features works from earlier periods. The Japanese screen paintings in our collection reveal meticulous brushwork, a masterful use of negative space and traditional materials elevated to extraordinary effect. These screens represent a confluence of Japanese aesthetics and changing tastes during a time of domestic and international artistic dialogue.
Why Collect Japanese Screen Paintings?
To own a Japanese screen painting is to preserve an artwork that transcends its decorative function. These screens are increasingly appreciated for their compositional balance and historical richness. Whether delicately painted landscapes or scenes of flora and fauna, each example invites quiet contemplation and enduring admiration.
Curated for the Discerning Collector
Every painting we offer has been carefully selected for its quality, condition and historical relevance. The pieces reflect our gallery’s broader commitment to authenticity and excellence in Japanese art. As with all categories we present, our selection of Japanese paintings are offered with complete transparency and provenance.
Experience the Beauty in Person
We welcome you to view our collection of Japanese screen paintings at our gallery in Central London or arrange a private appointment.