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Japanese Two Panel Screen: Chrysanthemums Through the Mist by Yamauchi Issei (Obara Paper Art Screen)

Surreal and masterful rendering of chrysanthemums cloaked in mist that varies in opacity made entirely of carefully arranged mulberry paper fibers in a Japanese art practice called Obara. Accented with gold leaf. Unique in terms of both execution and dreamlike mood. Made by Yamauchi Issei (b. 1929), stamped in the corner. Issei is well known throughout Japan as the leading artist in Obara Paper Art. Starting in 1948, he apprenticed with Fuji Tatsukichi, a leading proponent of the arts and crafts movement in Japan who worked to revive many cultural traditions on the brink of extinction. Issei started exhibiting in the Nitten in 1953, won the gold medal in 1963, and eventually became a juror. His artwork was given as a gift to the Showa Emperor of Japan, as well as dignitaries such as General Douglas MacArthur, Ambassador Edwin O. Reischauer, and Ambassador Armin H. Meyer. Arranged paper fibers set onto handmade paper with a lacquer frame. Back paper is also handmade paper.