ANONYMOUS, SECOND-HALF 19TH CENTURY, RAKUCHU RAKUGAI "Scenes in and out of the Capital", a pair of six-panel screens, ink, color, gold and gold leaf on paper, mounted on brocade, each panel approx. 24 x 67¾ in. (2)

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ANONYMOUS, SECOND-HALF 19TH CENTURY, RAKUCHU RAKUGAI "Scenes in and out of the Capital", a pair of six-panel screens, ink, color, gold and gold leaf on paper, mounted on brocade, each panel approx. 24 x 67¾ in. (2)

Lot Essay

These screens depicting panoramic views of Kyoto are quite rare and popular. They have been sought after by the people of Kyoto as well as out-of-town visitors as souvenirs since the 17th Century. Most commonly "rakuchu rakugai" screens are unattributed and are most commonly thought to be the work of anonymous craftsmen in large ateliers.

The city is shown laid out with east and west Kyoto on the right and left screens respectively. In panoramic views of the capital, Spring and Summer are always shown on the eastern side of town. Many of the buildings can be identified, again emphasizing the significance of the screens as a souvenir of a visit to the capital, as well as a historical reference.

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