Japan, a beautiful and unusual two-panel screen Byobu with 7 hand embroidered Rabbits including -Treasure rabbits appliques -Shushu- applied to its cream colored paper surface and finished with a silver cloud like back ground. It has been framed in natural hard wood.

Dimensions: 21 inches high and 73 inches wide when extended

Period: Taisho period, 1912-1926.

History of Rabbits in Japan:
The moon rabbit in folklore is a rabbit that lives on the Moon, based on pareidolia that identifies the markings of the Moon as a rabbit. The folklore originated in China, and then spread to other Asian cultures. In East Asia, it is seen pounding with a mortar and pestle, but the contents of the mortar differ among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean folklore. In Chinese folklore, it is often portrayed as a companion of the Moon goddess Chang’e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her; but in Japanese and Korean versions, it is pounding the ingredients for rice cake. The treasure box shown may contain precious rice cakes.

Due to the war years 1933-1945 much of Japans artistic records were lost though the epic Taisho era and unique works of art like this screen was handmade possibly for a folk art style commission.

A rare find.

Hand sewn and appliqued -Shushu- screens like this one are few and far between. The rabbits subject matter is a scarce motif.

Provenance: Old Kyoto Collection.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

Our gallery based in Shelburne, Vermont USA has been dealing in authentic Japanese , Chinese, and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to China, Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.

We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden Association.

We have been dealing in authentic Japanese and Chinese Fine art, antiquities, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. The president personally travels to Japan and China each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition. After accumulating a group, they are imported to Vermont and Maine in large containers. This method keeps shipping costs low and enables us to offer them to you at reasonable prices. We carefully pack and ship to clients all-over the USA and at reasonable shipping costs.