Bidspirit auction | Rokkyoku Byobu six-leaf windbreak, Edo


Rokkyoku Byobu six-leaf windbreak, Edo school of Japan, 18th century - Wood, paper, and monochrome gold. Dimensions: 172 x 370 cm. This Japanese windbreak consists of six articulated panels entirely covered in monochrome gold, delimited by thin dark borders that visually structure the whole. The absence of figurative decoration emphasizes the luminous vibrancy of the gold and the abstract purity of the space, transforming the piece into an architectural element for contemplation and ceremonial refinement. The tonal variations caused by the incidence of light generate subtle modulations on the metallic surface, an essential characteristic of Japanese aesthetics associated with aristocratic and ceremonial interiors. The understated composition reflects the tradition of byobu (windbreaks) from the Edo period, where the balance between functionality and decorative spirituality reached extraordinary sophistication. The piece stands out for its quiet monumentality and the minimalist elegance of its visual presence. 172 x 370 cm.