A brief historical context of wall paintings exhibited on Mimicri Gallery pages►

Oriental paintings take forms of scrolls and pseudo-murals like folding screens (byobu in Japan fusuma as a flat surface around an entire room.)  Free standing single panels were also used. Paper and silk surfaces were primary materials. Monochrome ink and glue bound water-soluble pigments were the usual oriental mediums. (oil painting came in the late 19th century)

 Backgrounds of small pure gold squares became extremely popular in the Momoyama period (1568 -1615)  Artistic techniques were essentially spontaneous. They did not allow correction of design or rendering. Erasure or overpainting was unacceptable. Such direct and immediate expression in painting is preserved in works by masters like Sotatsu, Korin and Okyu. Screen painting like most Japanese art had its origins in China.

 The subjects of painting are often light hearted relating to natural life of flora and fauna. Much of Oriental poetic expression is in graphic imagery. Shades of Waka and Haiku verse expression are evident. Sensitive feeling and insight are always cherished  Charm and delight in everyday life are treasured. Themes associated with Japanese wood block prints are occasionally found but the medium has its own distinct traditions.  Screens were to be folded (six panels were common) This imposed constraints on theme, treatment, space and size.

The hanging wall panels offered here by Mimicri capture the character, charm and essence of the art form. Being off the floor and ideally sized these artworks readily transform a room with warmth, colour and luxuriant glow of their golden grounds. The subjects delight and amuse. Mimicri offer at very reasonable cost a commission service. This allows you to tell our artists exactly what you want to have as your own very personal taste. (To find out more and get a costing quotation based on your choice, please use our Feedback Customer Enquiry page, Click this line.◄

FURTHER  READING

The Art of the Japanese Screen -Elise Grilli. 1970

Golden Screens of Japan -Elise Grilli 1959

Japanese Screen Painting - Basil Grey. 1955

Catalogue of Japanese screen Paintings T.R.Paine Jr. 1935

The Enduring Art of Japan. Langdon Warner 1952