Japanese Two-Panel Screen, Red Plum, Rare Obara Paper Art Screen

A blooming red plum tree made entirely of carefully arranged mulberry paper fibers in a Japanese art practice called Obara. Accented with gold dust. Incredible craftsmanship and a wonderful rendering of flowers and branches. Made by Yamauchi Issei (b. 1929), stamped in the corner. Issei is well known throughout Japan as the leading artist in Obara Paper Art. Starting in 1948, he apprenticed with Fuji Tatsukichi, a leading proponent of the Arts & Crafts movement in Japan who worked to revive many cultural traditions on the brink of extinction. Issei started exhibiting in the Nitten in 1953, won the gold medal in 1963, and eventually became a juror. His artwork was given as a gift to the Showa Emperor of Japan, as well as dignitaries such as General Douglas MacArthur, Ambassador Edwin O. Reischauer, and Ambassador Armin H. Meyer. Arranged paper fibers set onto handmade paper with gold and silver leaf, mounted beautifully in a lacquer frame with gilded bronze hardware. Back paper is also handmade paper.