Japanese two-panel screen in dyed fabric – Japan, circa 1985

This Japanese two-panel screen is a byōbu made of reserve-dyed textile (katazome) featuring a pattern of mandarin ducks. It originates from Japan, from the 20th century, in the realm of Japanese textile art mounted as a screen. Reserve dyeing with stencils (katazome) is a traditional Japanese technique for printing fabric using rice paste and natural dyes. When mounted as a screen, the textile becomes a work of art to be displayed and to partition space. The two panels are made of dyed fabric mounted on a wooden frame, joined by hinges and bordered with wood. The pattern unfolds across both panels in a range of pink tones. The composition depicts mandarin ducks (oshidori) against a pink-toned background, dyed using katazome. The pair of mandarin ducks symbolises marital love and fidelity in Japanese tradition. It retains a label with the title 「彩霞」 and the name of the author. Due to its low format and two panels, it serves as a decorative backdrop, a temporary divider, or a wall piece. It fits into wabi-sabi, japandi, and contemporary interiors, where it adds a soft colour and textile texture. Details. Dimensions: Length 179 cm – Depth 2 cm – Height 82 cm. Style: Japanese textile art. Materials and techniques: Reserve-dyed textile (katazome) on a wooden frame; hinges; wooden frame. Place of origin: Japan. Period: 20th century. Date of manufacture: Circa 1985. Condition / Observations: Good. Textile with light patina and signs of use; retains a title label. Folded dimensions: Length 89 cm – Depth 4 cm – Height 82 cm. Wear consistent with age and use.