Rating and value of Japanese screens

If you own a Japanese folding screen and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will be happy to offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of Japanese screens

Japanese screens are very popular at auction, whatever the period. Today, prices for these works are reaching unprecedented heights under the auctioneer's hammer. They are particularly prized by Japanese buyers. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €110 to €15,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Japanese screens. In 2018, a Kano School-style screen depicting the Kyoto Imperial Palace sold for €10,140.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

For centuries, Japanese screens, also known as "byōbu" in Japanese, have been a symbol of elegance, refinement and intimacy in traditional Japanese culture. These panels of wood, paper or silk were used to divide space, create private zones and embellish the interiors of homes and sacred places. Today, Japanese folding screens have become prized objects to be integrated into contemporary decor.

Origins and history

Japanese screens have a long history dating back over a thousand years. They were initially used in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Japan to divide space and create areas of privacy during ceremonies and rituals. Over time, their use spread to the residences of nobles and samurai, as well as to teahouses, where they were used to create a serene, peaceful atmosphere.

Early screens were made from rice paper mounted on wooden frames. They were decorated with simple motifs and calligraphy, often depicting natural landscapes, flowers, birds or mythological characters. Over the centuries, screens evolved to include more sophisticated techniques such as lacquer work, ink painting and the use of gold leaf.

Features and styles

Japanese screens are characterized by their minimalist design and artistic refinement. They are generally made up of several panels linked together by hinges, allowing them to be folded and unfolded to adjust their position and size as required.

There are several styles of Japanese screens, each reflecting a specific period and aesthetic:

1. Yamato-e: Yamato-e screens depict scenes of Japanese daily life, natural landscapes and historical or mythological figures. The colors are often vivid and the details meticulous.

2. Kanō School: This style emerged in the 16th century and is characterized by more elaborate paintings featuring battle scenes, animals and landscapes. Kanō screens are renowned for their great realism and use of color.

3. Rimpa School: This style emerged in the 17th century and focuses on elegant compositions with floral motifs and stylized landscapes. Rimpa screens are renowned for their visual harmony and subtle use of gold.

4. Namban: These screens, created in the 16th century, illustrate encounters between the Japanese and Europeans. They show exotic scenes of boats, strangers and unknown animals.

Their current value on the auction market

Although Japanese screens have ancient origins, they are still very popular in the contemporary world for their timeless aesthetic and their ability to separate different spaces.

Their ability to filter light while preserving privacy makes them particularly attractive for modern living spaces.

Dating your Japanese folding screen

Japanese screens often have a recognizable style, which makes it possible to date them. For example, if gilding is present on the screen, it will date either from the 17th century or later. The state of conservation of your object and the study of pictorial techniques will be taken into account to determine the most precise date possible.

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a Japanese folding screen, or think your object might be one, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your work of art, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.