We use thick, handmade Japanese paper that has been carefully crafted. Its presence is overwhelming, exuding a rich expression and brought to life by natural dyes such as akane (madder), tsuchi (soil), and sumi (charcoal). Please enjoy the beauty and powerful energy created by the combination of the finest Japanese paper and natural dyes. The farmers who harvested the raw materials such as kozo (mulberry), mitsumata, and ganpi (daphne) and the artisans who expertly crafted them into paper make you appreciate the wonder of the collaborative effort between people and nature.

"Momoyo-gusa," a masterpiece by Kamisaka Sekka, who was born in the late Edo period and active from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, is praised for its depth and power. The paper exudes a deep sense of strength, while the peaceful expressions of a cow and a child lying on it invite you into a mysterious world.

Even in its natural state, the thick, handmade Japanese paper exudes a beauty that is complemented by streaks of charcoal inspired by that very beauty. Amidst the artificiality of everyday life, it seems to awaken the purity and strength inherent in each individual. When faced with this folding screen, one is reminded of their own insignificance in the natural world.

The reverse side is left unadorned with the thick, handmade Japanese paper. The delicate white hue of the gentle natural fibers will become richer over time. Upon closer inspection, the various nuances of the material's fibers are revealed by the light, resulting in a range of subtle expressions.

According to historical records, "torinoko" (literally "bird's child") was first mentioned around 1338 AD and was originally named after the smooth texture and pale yellow color of the paper that evokes the image of a chicken egg. Due to its beautiful and elegant texture, durability, and resistance to deterioration, it has been used for high-end record keeping and preservation for many years.

This screen was created by selecting flowers that bloom in Japan's spring from a woodblock print made from a ceiling painting in Kyoto's Shingyoji temple, and then crafting it into an elegant and gentle torinoko paper screen. It's as if the spring of Jakuchu has bloomed here.

Is it around June? The puppy is filled with curiosity as it encounters a snail for the first time. It's a calming and soothing painting that brings peace to the heart. Within the bamboo grove, a white puppy is depicted with thick contour lines, gazing intently at the snail. And there is a brown puppy observing the scene as well. This motif of "Guji" (puppy) is taken from Snowka's "Hyakuseisou."

Both the front and back of the folding screen are made of thick handmade Japanese paper. Natural dyes such as persimmon tannin and chestnut were used for the Japanese paper, allowing Sekka's world of "Momoyogusa" to expand into contemporary lifestyles.

"Momoyogusa" by Sekka is a collection of woodblock prints consisting of three volumes and 60 images. Each artwork is filled with charm and loveliness. They were created by Sekka when she was around 43 to 44 years old, between the years Meiji 42 (1909) and Meiji 43 (1910). From this collection, the woodblock print titled "Sechu Take (Sparroe in snow)" was chosen as the motif for the folding screen.

A single sparrow peeks its face into the bamboo grove, where traces of snow remain. It invites us into a world of tranquility. Thick handmade Japanese paper, dyed to evoke the image of a bamboo grove, was used for the screen, while charcoal-dyed Japanese paper was employed for the front. The result is a folding screen that not only exudes a sense of serenity in its silence but also fills viewers with a heartwarming tranquility.

Many of the famous places in Edo were not only renowned for their scenic beauty but also for their blooming flowers. These two artworks were created around the same period.

Left: One of the masterpieces among the "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," this piece is called "View from Massaki of Suijin Shrine, Uchigawa Inlet, and Sekiya" It refers to the vicinity of Shirahige Bridge in present-day Minami-Senju, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo. The composition depicts the view seen through a circular window on the second floor of a popular tea house at the time. The contrast between the plum blossoms and the room's camellias creates an elegant composition.

Right: "Plum Estate, Kameido" was a plum garden located behind Kameido Tenjin Shrine. It became famous for its "Garyu Bai" (Plum Blossom in the Shape of a Lying Dragon) that seemed to sprawl across the ground. The composition allows one to glimpse the scene beyond the fence, where many people can be seen observing the plum blossoms. The innovative composition prominently features a large plum branch in the foreground, with a view of the background, and it is known that Vincent van Gogh created a copy of this painting.

This is a small folding screen planned as a room accessory. It consists of four pieces of woodblock prints, which are reproductions of Hiroshige Utagawa's works depicting many scenes of Edo.

The base material is a fabric made of hand-made washi paper that has been dyed with indigo. It depicts a scene in the lower reaches of the Sumida River, an area known as Ookawa in the Edo period, during the spring season that townspeople have been eagerly waiting for. In the distance, Mt. Tsukuba can be seen, and there are shrines and torii gates at the end of the street. In the foreground, a large double cherry blossom tree is in full bloom, and a sailboat can be seen on the Ookawa River. Perhaps they are fishing for whitefish in the spring. The sky is clear, and it is a peaceful and tranquil spring in Edo.

From ancient times, the people of Japan have loved the wildflowers and trees that bloom in the fields. During the Edo period, there was a high interest in gardening, particularly in flowers and trees. The cherry blossom, which is now a symbol of modern Japan and the famous variety known as Somei Yoshino, was also created during this period. The appeal of Japanese plants has spread overseas, and lilies, camellias, wisteria, hydrangeas, azaleas, and other plants that originated in Japan are now blooming in various countries.

This summer's painting is one of the works from the series "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," which was a bestseller in its time and a masterpiece of Hiroshige's later years. This work depicts the grounds of Kameido Tenjin Shrine, which was a popular spot for its beautiful wisteria in addition to its plum blossoms. You can enjoy the beautiful balance between the large wisteria depicted in the foreground and the drum bridge depicted in the background.

The base is made of handcrafted washi paper dyed with soil and finished with a deep yellow hue. The contrast with the blue of the pond is particularly charming.

Hiroshige's popular series "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" mainly features famous places in Edo (present-day Tokyo), but this piece depicts a view from Mama in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture. Near Tekona Shrine in Mama is the famous autumn crimson foliage spot, Gubou-ji Temple, and in the center of the piece is the bridge connecting to the temple. Behind the red maple leaves is a view of mountains such as Mt. Tsukuba.

In addition to the beauty of the flowers, the changing colors of the autumn leaves provide enjoyment for people as autumn deepens. To fully enjoy Hiroshige's depiction of autumn, this folding screen has been made entirely in the colors of autumn leaves.

This artwork gives a moist and gentle impression even in the cold winter scenery. Since yesterday, the snow has piled up on the bamboo leaves, but now it has turned into a light snow, and lively sparrows are flying around the quiet street. In one picture, the lifestyle and movement of Edo are depicted throughout the screen.

"Yabu-kouji" is a narrow path that runs from Kato Ecchu-no-kami's residence on Atagoshita Street to Toranomon, and it is named after the thicket that was present there to ward off evil spirits.