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Online Collections

folding screens


Details
Term Type

Art & Architecture Thesaurus

Preferred Term

folding screens

Details

Refers to screens comprised of two or more panels, typically decorated and often lacquered. Invented by the Chinese, the form was mentioned as early as the 2nd century BCE. The earliest surviving examples date to the MIng dynasty. Folding screens were introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century; such screens were often designed in pairs in Japan. From the early 17th century eastern folding screens were imported to Europe and the form was soon adopted by European craftsmen. European folding screens, like those of Japan, were usually composed of six panels but were often taller and more substantial.

Variations

beoubes

folding screen

biombos

biombo

weiping

byōbus

byōbu

byobu

Broader Term

screens

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