Japanese Meiji Period Shibayama Folding Screen Panels

This set of decorative furniture panels showcases the intricate artistry of Japanese Shibayama-style craftsmanship, likely dating from the late Meiji period (late 19th to early 20th century). The panels are constructed from a dark, rich wood—possibly rosewood or padauk—featuring high-relief carvings in the headers and footers depicting traditional scrolling floral motifs. The central focus of each panel is a black lacquer rectangular field inset within a larger burl wood or figured wood frame. These lacquer sections are decorated with elaborate relief-inlay (Shibayama) using materials such as carved bone, ivory, or mother-of-pearl to create highly detailed scenes of predatory birds, likely hawks or eagles, perched among flowering cherry or plum blossoms. The birds exhibit incredible feather detail, while the smaller flying insects and petals add a sense of movement. The framing includes a secondary border of figured burled veneer, providing a warm contrast to the dark lacquer. Regarding condition, there is visible wear consistent with age, including scuffing and wood loss on the lower vertical stiles, minor surface abrasions on the lacquer, and potential minute losses to the delicate inlay. The craftsmanship is of high quality, indicative of export-market pieces produced during Japan's opening to the West. The code LGM-0433 may refer to an inventory or catalog identifier.