Japanese Four-Panel Folding Screen (Byobu) Appraisal

Category: Asian Antiques / Decorative Arts

Japanese Four-Panel Folding Screen (Byobu)

Description

A four-panel Japanese folding screen (Byobu) painted with a scene of grasses, flowers, and quail birds, featuring gold leaf elements depicting clouds or mist. The panels are enclosed in a black frame.

Appraisal Report

This appears to be a Japanese four-panel folding screen (Byobu). The artwork depicts a natural scene featuring tall grasses, flowers (possibly chrysanthemums and bellflowers), several quail, and stylized clouds or mist rendered in gold leaf against a muted background. The style is traditional Japanese painting. The value of such screens depends heavily on factors like age (Edo, Meiji, Showa period, or modern), artist (if signed or attributable), condition (damage, restoration, fading), materials (quality of silk/paper, gold leaf), and overall artistic merit. Based solely on the image, assuming it is a 20th-century decorative piece in fair to good condition, without a prominent artist signature visible, the value is estimated. Older screens (pre-1900) or those by known artists could be significantly more valuable. Condition assessment regarding tears, repairs, or fading is crucial for a precise valuation. The presence of genuine gold leaf adds to the value.

Appraisal Value

$500 - $2000