Bidspirit auction | Japanese Meiji Period Shibayama Inlaid

Japanese Meiji Period Shibayama Inlaid Hardwood Floor Screen with Eagle - This large Japanese export floor screen from the Meiji period is constructed of dark-stained hardwood and features a central black lacquered panel decorated with high-relief shibayama-style inlay. The central composition depicts a large eagle perched on a gnarled, flowering plum branch. The bird is rendered in multiple types of iridescent shell, mother-of-pearl, and abalone to simulate feather texture, with a carved bone beak and talons. Two smaller birds are shown in flight within the black field. The panel is enclosed by a heavy hardwood frame characterized by deep openwork and pierced carvings. The upper crest and lower base panel contain motifs of phoenixes amidst peony blossoms and scrolling foliage. The side rails are carved with a repeating leaf and floral pattern. The screen is mounted on four small metal casters. The reverse side features a black textured surface and is fitted with two metal D-ring mounting brackets on the upper horizontal rail. No maker marks or signatures are visible. 34 x 74 inches.