Byobu - Japanese Folding Screens (original) (raw)
2004 Autumn - Byobu Intro - Tatsuya Ishiodori - Motoko Maio
Byobu— An Artistic Metamorphosis
The Ongoing Evolution of Contemporary Japanese Folding Screens
photography by Tadayuki Naito
Japanese houses are versatile. One room can serve as a living room, dining room, bedroom, and guestroom. Such flexibility has been achieved by portable furniture, and byobu (folding screens) originated for this purpose. Historically, byobu developed not only as practical furniture, but also as unique works of art, and their evolution continues today. On these pages we introduce two up-and-coming artists who are creating contemporary Japanese folding screens in their own distinct styles. Each will have a major exhibition this fall, one in Japan, the other in New York.
Exactly what are byobu?
Byobu (folding screens) are a type of portable furniture placed in a room to block drafts and views. The freestanding panels are joined with unique paper hinges. The number of panels used in a folding screen is referred to as kyoku, and the term for a pair of screens is isso-byobu. Besides being placed along a wall, portable folding screens can be set up anywhere. Furthermore, they can create an interesting sense of perspective by presenting panels of paintings at different angles. Sometimes a sequence of seasons can be presented on a set of screens; this constitutes one of the unique characteristics of Nihonga, or Japanese-style painting.
Articles from the 2004 AUTUMN issue:
- Art for Eternity—The Rockefeller Family: Blanchette & John D. Rockefeller 3rd - JDR IV speaks across cultures
- Quintessential Kyoto: Zazen - The Shinto Shrine - Tea Ceremony
- Byobu (folding screens): Tatsuya Ishiodori - Motoko Maio
Kateigaho International Edition Issues:
2005 SUMMER - 2005 SPRING - 2005 WINTER