Pivoine screen. Edo period, 18th century.

Four-panel Pivoine folding screen. Edo period, 18th century.
Hand painted wood.
Measurements: 177 x 244 cm.

Four-panel folding screen, in hand painted wood with a landscape with peonies. The author seems to be inspired by the floral landscapes of Kan Sanraku. Pivoine screens are characterized by including in their designs the peony flower, which in Japanese culture is highly appreciated for its symbolism and beauty. The Pivoine paravent, with its floral motifs, reflects the taste for nature and the meticulous detail characteristic of Japanese art of that time, which was also seen in the painters and craftsmen of the Rinpa school. The colors and shapes in these screens were intended to materialize the harmony between man and nature. Through their aesthetic influence, these paravents not only served to divide spaces in homes, but also to display the high status of the owners, as they were luxury items.

The Edo period was an era of great cultural flourishing in Japan, especially in the decorative arts. During this time, various art forms developed, such as painting, ceramics, wood engraving and interior design. The screens of this era were known not only for their functionality, but also for their aesthetic beauty. Panels were often decorated with details of nature, everyday life, and mythological figures, as well as incorporating elements of landscape painting and floral design.