A two-fold paper screen painted in ink and colour on a gold ground with court ladies at various pursuits and a sudare (bamboo blind).
Japan, 17th century, Edo period.
Four ladies are seated together admiring a makimono (hand scroll), with two further makimono on the floor beside them. A young girl prepares the ink, and two brushes are laid out on a brush stand ready for use. A fifth lady tends to a bird in its cage and a second caged bird is displayed on a stand in the background.
The back of a folding screen can be seen in the lower left of the painting, although its subject remains mysterious. A partly-unfurled sudare (bamboo blind) hangs across the top of the painting, giving the impression that the viewer is peeking into this intimate scene.
Screens
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