WHAT IS IT?
Japanese folding screens, or byōbus, are typically made from an even number of folding panels. Byobu means “protection from wind”, and people believe they were originally used for blocking drafts. Nowadays, their zigzag construction lends themselves to being used as free-standing room dividers or wall-mounted adornments.
Byobu screens are typically made of silk or washi (parchment paper)-covered panels, and washi screens are commonly covered in gold leaf squares - less commonly, silver leaf. Most have a silk border and a lacquered wooden or metal frame. The scenes depict nature and daily life. Most quality Edo Period screens were painted by Kyoto artists and students of the Kano (Masanobu) School.
HOW TO STYLE
GENERAL TIPS:
—They are great for grounding spaces — the area above your bed, sofa, or dining table.
—Incorporate plants and natural or rich woods to balance this decorative art piece.
—Keep the overall space minimal and let the screen shine.
—Accent with neutral colors or colors found in natural and the paintings (rich greens or blues).
—Play off the gold or silver leaf background by adding metallic touches or hints of marigold.
EXAMPLES:
One of my all-time favorite spaces is the bar inside Osaka’s St Regis Hotel. Pictures don’t do the depth of the teal walls or the shimmering light off the byobu and gold leaf ceiling justice. [Insert excuse to go to Japan]…. The deep blue walls and furniture echo the blue water in the screen, and the gold highlights are reflected in the gold ceiling and brass accents.
Beautiful, but maybe too much of a statement for your home? Take a look at TokyoJinja’s use of a simple yet stunning silver leaf byobu in her home.
Here’s another living room example, designed by Michael Smith. The byobu anchors the wall and the neutral tones, plants, and raw wood set a calming tone.
Designer Orlando Soria and antiques dealer Ed Hardy (curtesy of Architectural Digest) have both used Japanese screens in their respective bedrooms, above the bed. Both rooms make use of plants, neutral colors, and minimal decor, with marigold highlights (pillow and lampshades) that tie into the screens’ golden background.
Another bedroom, another byobu, but this one rests on the floor, almost acting as an oversized headboard.
The screens can be used in traditional settings, or in more modern rooms, as the below two examples demonstrate.
One moment while I catch my breath after viewing the next picture designed by Irazli Zaria! The marble table, velvet blue dining chairs, and cement-like walls echo colors from the screen and modernize the space. Note the gold-toned metal of the chairs, which also helps to pull the look together. Simply stunning!
Too big for one wall? Take a page from the byobu in Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock house, which wraps around one corner. They fold after all ;-)
WHERE TO BUY
JAPAN:
Kyoto is still the epicenter of byobu options, specifically along Shinmonzen and Furumonzen streets in Gion, which is where we bought ours. Otherwise, the Heiwajima Antiques Fair, held for three days five times a year in Tokyo, has a large number of options (*recommend getting there on the first day, though). For more on the best antique fairs and markets to check out in Japan, read our overview here.
ONLINE:
1stDibs, Etsy, Ebay, and Chairish all have excellent options. Red Maple Connection and Kuraya Antiques also appear to have a wide variety of options.
Thanks for wandering over to our site!
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