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Japanese Screens

March 24, 2002 - November 3, 2002

Museum: Freer Gallery of Art

Location: Gallery 5

On view in this rotation are screens from the Muromachi (1333-1573), Momoyama (1573-1615), and Edo (1615-1868) periods. Created in many shapes and sizes, portable screens were used as decorative tools that not only defined space, but also made political or religious statements, or commented on the seasons. Depicted on these screens are animals and plants--including cherry and plum blossoms--as well as sages, aristocratic entertainments, and commoners' outings.