What is a folding screen, and by what other name is it known?

A folding screen is a type of free-standing furniture composed of several frames or panels, typically connected by hinges or other mechanisms. It is also known as 'pingfeng', which is its Chinese name.

What are the primary functions of folding screens?

Folding screens serve both practical and decorative purposes. They can be used to divide rooms, provide privacy, block drafts, and enhance interior design with their artistic qualities.

Where did folding screens originate, and how did their use spread geographically?

Folding screens originated in ancient China and subsequently spread throughout East Asia, becoming popular in countries like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. They were also admired and adopted by Europeans.

When do screens, in their general form, first appear in Chinese history?

Screens, in their initial one-panel form, date back to China during the Eastern Zhou period, which spanned from 771 to 256 BCE.

During which Chinese dynasty were folding screens specifically invented?

Folding screens were invented in China during the Han dynasty, which existed from 206 BCE to 220 CE.

What archaeological evidence supports the existence of folding screens during the Han dynasty?

Depictions of folding screens have been discovered in Han-era tombs, such as one located in Zhucheng, Shandong Province, providing archaeological evidence of their use during that period.

What were common artistic themes used to decorate Chinese folding screens?

Chinese folding screens were frequently adorned with beautiful art, featuring major themes such as mythology, scenes of palace life, and various aspects of nature.

How are folding screens often depicted in Chinese literature?

In Chinese literature, folding screens are frequently associated with intrigue and romance, often serving as a prop for characters, such as a young lady in love, to discreetly observe or hide behind.

Which classical Chinese novel features the folding screen as a recurring thematic element?

The classical novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' by Cao Xueqin notably features the folding screen as a recurring thematic element within its narrative.

Who was Li He, and what did his 'Song of the Screen' describe?

Li He (790–816) was a Tang poet who wrote the 'Song of the Screen,' a poem describing a folding screen belonging to a newly-wed couple. The screen had twelve panels decorated with butterflies on China pink flowers, symbolizing lovers, and featured silver hinges resembling glass coins.

What materials were initially used for Chinese folding screens, and what materials gained popularity later?

Initially, Chinese folding screens were crafted from wooden panels and painted on lacquered surfaces. Over time, folding screens made from paper or silk also became popular materials for their construction.

When did folding screens experience a rapid surge in popularity in China?

Although folding screens were known since antiquity, they became rapidly popular during the Tang dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 907 CE.

What significant role did folding screens play for artists during the Tang dynasty?

During the Tang dynasty, folding screens were regarded as ideal surfaces for many painters to showcase their paintings and calligraphy, with many artists applying their paper or silk artworks directly onto the screens.

What were the two distinct types of artistic folding screens mentioned in historical literature of the Tang era?

Historical literature from the Tang era mentions two distinct types of artistic folding screens: 'huaping,' meaning 'painted folding screen,' and 'shuping,' meaning 'calligraphed folding screen.'

Were artists commonly commissioned to create folding screens in ancient China?

Yes, it was common for individuals to commission folding screens from renowned artists, such as the Tang-era painter Cao Ba or the Song-era painter Guo Xi.

During which Chinese dynasty did landscape paintings on folding screens reach their artistic zenith?

Landscape paintings adorning folding screens achieved their highest artistic expression during the Song dynasty, which spanned from 960 to 1279 CE.

What is a typical characteristic of Coromandel screens regarding their decoration?

Typically, Coromandel screens feature a detailed scene on the front, while the back usually displays a simpler floral theme.

What is the Korean term for a folding screen, and when did it gain significance in Korea?

The Korean term for a folding screen is 'byeongpung,' and it became significant during the period of Unified Silla, from 668 to 935 CE.

What were the primary uses for *byeongpung* in Korea?

In Korea, *byeongpung* were commonly used for decoration, as room dividers, and to block drafts caused by the *Ondol* heated floors, which were prevalent across the country.

What artistic elements were frequently depicted on Korean folding screens?

Korean folding screens commonly featured paintings of landscapes, flowers, and artistic renditions of calligraphy.

What are *irworobongdo* screens, and where were they prominently displayed?

*Irworobongdo* screens were prominent *byeongpung* that served as important elements in the throne rooms of some Joseon kings, placed directly behind the throne. Examples can be found in palaces like Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, and Changgyeonggung.

What is a *chaekgeori* screen in Korean culture?

A *chaekgeori* is another type of Korean folding screen, characterized by scholarly motifs, often depicting books arranged on a shelf.

What were some common types of *byeongpung* produced during the Joseon dynasty?

During the Joseon dynasty, common types of *byeongpung* included *Chimbyeong* (bedside screens), *Baeknapbyeong* (screens with various drawings or writings), *Jangsaengdobyeong* (depicting the 10 symbols of longevity), *Sinseondobyeong* (featuring Taoist gods), and *Sobyeong* (plain white screens for mourning or ancestral rites).

What is a *Chimbyeong*?

A *Chimbyeong* is a type of Korean folding screen specifically designed to be placed by the bedside.

What is a *Baeknapbyeong*?

A *Baeknapbyeong* is a Korean folding screen adorned with various drawings or writings on a multitude of subjects.

What is a *Jangsaengdobyeong*?

A *Jangsaengdobyeong* is a Korean folding screen that depicts the 'Shipjangsaengdo,' which are the ten traditional symbols of longevity.

What is a *Sinseondobyeong*?

A *Sinseondobyeong* is a Korean folding screen that features depictions of gods, influenced by Taoist thought.

What is a *Sobyeong*?

A *Sobyeong* is a Korean folding screen used for mourning or ancestral rites, distinguished by its plain white paper panels without any drawings.

What is the Japanese term for a folding screen, and when is it believed to have been imported to Japan?

The Japanese term for a folding screen is 'byōbu,' and it is thought to have been imported to Japan from China during the Han dynasty, arriving in the 7th or 8th century.

What is considered the oldest *byōbu* produced in Japan, and where is it preserved?

The oldest *byōbu* produced in Japan is the 'Torige ritsujo no byōbu' from the 8th century, which is currently stored in the Shōsōin Treasure Repository.

How did Japanese *byōbu* designs evolve during the Heian period?

During the Heian period (9th century), Japanese *byōbu* designs became more indigenous due to the development of Japan's distinctive *Kokufū Bunka* (national culture), and they were integrated as furnishings in the *Shinden-zukuri* architectural style.

What was the characteristic spatial expression of folding screens during the Muromachi period in Japan?

The characteristic of folding screens during the Muromachi period in Japan was their spatial expression of silence.

What types of folding screens gained popularity during Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period?

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time when feudal lords (daimyo) vied for power, folding screens adorned with paintings of tigers and dragons became popular.

How did the Edo period influence the production and patronage of Japanese folding screens?

In the Edo period, as the economy flourished, emerging merchants became significant patrons in the production of folding screens, leading to a diversification of artistic styles and demand.

What were the defining characteristics of Rinpa school folding screens during the Edo period?

Rinpa school folding screens, popular during the Edo period, were characterized by highly decorative designs that often utilized gold or silver foil, bold compositions depicting simple objects, and the use of repeated patterns.

What is the Vietnamese name for folding screens, and when were they particularly popular in Vietnam?

Folding screens are known as 'bình phong' in Vietnamese, and they were particularly popular during the Nguyễn dynasty.

What common motifs were found on Vietnamese folding screens?

Vietnamese folding screens frequently featured common motifs such as dragons and various scenic landscapes.

What specific decorative technique was often employed for Vietnamese folding screens?

Vietnamese folding screens were often decorated using a technique called 'khảm xà cừ,' which involves inlaying with crushed nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl.

How did folding screens in Vietnam evolve beyond furniture into an architectural element?

In Vietnam, influenced by feng shui principles, folding screens evolved into a type of architectural structure built in front of houses, serving purposes of protection and to bring good luck.

When were folding screens first introduced to Europe?

Folding screens were introduced to Europe during the late Middle Ages.

Can you provide an example of an early instance of Japanese folding screens being presented in Europe?

In 1584, a Japanese embassy, acting on behalf of Oda Nobunaga, presented the 'Azuchi Screens' to Pope Gregory XIII, who subsequently displayed them in the Vatican.

During which centuries did Europe extensively import folding screens from China?

Europe imported many folding screens from China throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

Which European nation showed particular admiration and demand for Chinese folding screens?

Europeans in general, and the French in particular, held great admiration and desire for Chinese folding screens, leading to significant imports of large, lacquered screens adorned with art.

Who was a notable European collector of Chinese folding screens?

The French fashion designer Coco Chanel was an avid collector of Chinese folding screens.

How many Chinese folding screens did Coco Chanel reportedly own, and where were some displayed?

Coco Chanel is believed to have owned 32 folding screens, with eight of them housed in her apartment at 31 rue Cambon, Paris.

Beyond their origin, where are folding screens commonly found in contemporary interior design?

Folding screens, despite their Chinese origin, are now integrated into many interior designs across the globe.

What were some of the earliest practical applications of folding screens?

Some of the earliest practical uses of folding screens included preventing drafts in homes and providing a sense of privacy, often serving as dressing screens for ladies in classical times.

How does the Chinese name 'pingfeng' literally reflect a practical use of folding screens?

The Chinese name 'pingfeng' literally translates to 'screen; blocking' (ping) and 'breeze, wind' (feng), directly indicating their practical use in blocking wind or drafts.

How can folding screens be utilized to alter the interior features of a space?

Folding screens can be strategically arranged to partition a large room, effectively changing the interior features and layout of the space.

Folding Screen Wiki: Unfolding Elegance: A Scholarly Journey Through the World of Folding Screens

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Overview

Defining the Folding Screen

A folding screen, often referred to by its Chinese name pingfeng (尼風), represents a distinctive category of free-standing furniture. It is characterized by multiple frames or panels, typically interconnected by hinges or similar mechanisms, allowing for flexible arrangement and compact storage. These versatile objects serve both practical and aesthetic functions, crafted from a diverse array of materials and adorned with various designs.

Global Journey of an Ancient Form

The genesis of folding screens can be traced to ancient China, where they emerged as functional and artistic elements within domestic and palatial settings. Over centuries, their appeal transcended geographical boundaries, leading to their widespread adoption and unique cultural adaptations across East Asia, including Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Eventually, these elegant dividers found their way to Europe, where they captivated Western sensibilities and became coveted decorative items.

Etymological Roots: "Wind Blocker"

The Chinese term pingfeng offers insight into one of the screen's primary historical functions. Composed of two characters, ping (尼) meaning "screen" or "blocking," and feng (風) meaning "breeze" or "wind," the name literally translates to "wind blocker" or "wind stopper." This nomenclature highlights their initial practical role in mitigating drafts within traditional Chinese architecture, a utility that persisted as they evolved into more elaborate artistic expressions.

Chinese Legacy

Ancient Origins and Evolution

The earliest forms of screens in China date back to the Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BCE), initially appearing as single-panel structures. The innovation of the folding screen, with its multi-panel hinged design, emerged during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Archaeological evidence, such as depictions found in Han-era tombs in Shandong Province, confirms their early presence and use.

Artistic Expression and Literary Significance

Folding screens became canvases for exquisite art, frequently adorned with themes drawn from mythology, intricate scenes of palace life, and serene natural landscapes. Beyond their visual appeal, they held a significant place in Chinese literature, often symbolizing intrigue and romance. For instance, in the classical novel Dream of the Red Chamber, a folding screen serves as a prop for a young lady to observe discreetly. Tang dynasty poet Li He's "Song of the Screen" vividly describes a newlywed couple's twelve-panel screen, embellished with butterflies and China pink flowers, symbolizing lovers, and featuring silver hinges resembling glass coins.

Initially crafted from wooden panels with lacquered surfaces, folding screens later saw the popularization of paper or silk as primary materials. Their popularity surged during the Tang dynasty (618–907), becoming favored mediums for painters and calligraphers to showcase their talents. Historical texts distinguish between huaping (纸尼), or "painted folding screens," and shuping (书尼), "calligraphed folding screens." Artists like Cao Ba of the Tang era and Guo Xi of the Song era were frequently commissioned for such works. Landscape paintings on folding screens reached their zenith during the Song dynasty (960–1279). The distinctive kuancai (步彩), or "incised colors," lacquer technique, which defines Coromandel screens, developed during the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644). This technique involved incising, painting, and inlaying dark screens with materials such as mother-of-pearl or ivory, creating highly decorative pieces.

Korean Artistry

The Byeongpung Tradition

In Korea, folding screens are known as byeongpung (병품), gaining significant cultural prominence during the Unified Silla period (668–935). These screens served multiple purposes: as decorative elements, practical room dividers, and essential barriers against drafts, particularly those emanating from the Ondol heated floors prevalent in Korean homes.

Royal and Scholarly Motifs

Korean folding screens commonly featured paintings of serene landscapes, vibrant flowers, and elegant calligraphy. A particularly notable type, the irworobongdo, was a crucial component of the throne rooms of Joseon kings, positioned directly behind the throne. Examples can still be observed in palaces such as Gyeongbok, Changdeok, and Changgyeonggung. Another distinct style, the chaekgeori, showcased scholarly motifs, often depicting books arranged on shelves, reflecting an appreciation for learning and intellectual pursuits.

During the Joseon dynasty, several specialized types of byeongpung were produced:

Chimbyeong (축병): A folding screen specifically designed to be placed by the bedside.
Baeknapbyeong (배만병): Screens adorned with diverse drawings or writings on various subjects, showcasing a wide range of artistic themes.
Jangsaengdobyeong (장생도병): Depicting the "Shipjangsaengdo," which are the ten symbols of longevity, reflecting wishes for a long and prosperous life.
Sinseondobyeong (신선도병): Screens illustrating gods and immortals, influenced by Taoist philosophical traditions.
Sobyeong (소병): Simple folding screens used during periods of mourning or for ancestral rites, typically featuring only white paper without any decorative drawings.

Japanese Aesthetics

The Byōbu Tradition

Japanese folding screens, known as byōbu (牛風), trace their origins to the Han dynasty of China and are believed to have been introduced to Japan during the 7th or 8th century. The oldest extant byōbu produced in Japan is the 8th-century Torige ritsujo no byōbu (鸶水相女尼風), preserved in the Shōsōin Treasure Repository.

Evolving Styles and Patronage

By the Heian period (9th century), Japanese byōbu developed distinct indigenous designs, reflecting the emergence of Japan's unique Kokufū Bunka (国風文化). They became integral furnishings in the architectural style of Shinden-zukuri. While screens of the Muromachi period often conveyed a spatial expression of silence, the Azuchi-Momoyama period saw a shift towards more dynamic imagery, with screens depicting powerful tigers and dragons, symbolizing the competitive spirit of the feudal lords (daimyo).

During the Edo period, economic growth fostered a new class of wealthy merchants who became significant patrons for byōbu production. This era saw the rise of the Rinpa school, whose folding screens were highly sought after. Rinpa works are characterized by their exceptionally decorative designs, often incorporating gold or silver foil, bold compositions that simplify objects, and the use of repeated patterns to create striking visual effects.

Vietnamese Heritage

Bình Phong in Vietnamese Culture

In Vietnam, folding screens are known as bình phong (尼風), a term directly derived from the Chinese pingfeng, reflecting the profound influence of Chinese culture. These screens were particularly popular during the Nguyễn dynasty, serving both decorative and symbolic purposes within Vietnamese households and public spaces.

Decorative Techniques and Architectural Adaptation

Vietnamese bình phong frequently featured traditional motifs such as dragons and scenic landscapes. A distinctive decorative technique employed was khảm xà cừ, which involves the intricate inlaying of crushed nacre (mother-of-pearl) onto the screen's surface, creating shimmering, iridescent patterns. Furthermore, in Vietnam, folding screens evolved beyond portable furniture to become a type of architectural element. Large bình phong structures were often built in front of houses, influenced by principles of Feng Shui, to offer protection and invite good fortune.

European Influence

Introduction to the Western World

Folding screens made their way to Europe during the late Middle Ages, marking the beginning of their global journey beyond East Asia. A notable early instance of their presence in the West occurred in 1584, when a Japanese embassy, representing Oda Nobunaga, presented the renowned Azuchi Screens as a gift to Pope Gregory XIII, who subsequently displayed them in the Vatican, introducing this exotic art form to European nobility.

Admiration and Collection

The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed a significant influx of folding screens imported from China into Europe. Europeans, particularly the French aristocracy and burgeoning merchant class, developed a profound admiration for these exquisite pieces. They eagerly imported large, lacquered folding screens, often adorned with intricate artistry, which became symbols of luxury and refined taste. The French fashion icon Coco Chanel was a fervent collector, reportedly owning 32 folding screens, with eight prominently displayed in her iconic apartment at 31 rue Cambon, Paris. She famously remarked, "I've loved Chinese screens since I was eighteen years old. I nearly fainted with joy when, entering a Chinese shop, I saw a Coromandel for the first time. Screens were the first thing I bought."

Modern Utility

Practical Applications

While originating in China, folding screens are now integral to interior designs worldwide. Their initial practical purpose, as suggested by the Chinese name pingfeng ("wind blocker"), was to prevent drafts in homes. This function remains relevant in various contexts. Historically, they also provided a crucial sense of privacy, frequently serving as dressing screens for ladies in classical settings, a utility that continues in contemporary spaces.

Spatial Redefinition and Aesthetic Enhancement

Folding screens offer remarkable flexibility in interior design. They can be strategically deployed to partition expansive rooms, effectively redefining the spatial characteristics of an area without permanent construction. Furthermore, screens can function as elegant false walls near entrances, artfully concealing less desirable features, such as kitchen doors, to cultivate a more inviting atmosphere. Given their often intricate artistic designs, folding screens seamlessly integrate as decorative focal points, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any interior.

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References

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Unfolding Elegance

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📦 Defining the Folding Screen

🌍 Global Journey of an Ancient Form

📜 Etymological Roots: "Wind Blocker"

Chinese Legacy 🇨🇳

🕰️ Ancient Origins and Evolution

🎨 Artistic Expression and Literary Significance

Korean Artistry 🇰🇷

🌸 The Byeongpung Tradition

👑 Royal and Scholarly Motifs

Japanese Aesthetics 🇯🇵

🎋 The Byōbu Tradition

🎨 Evolving Styles and Patronage

Vietnamese Heritage 🇻🇳

🐉 Bình Phong in Vietnamese Culture

🐚 Decorative Techniques and Architectural Adaptation

European Influence 🇪🇺

🏰 Introduction to the Western World

👑 Admiration and Collection

Modern Utility 🛋️

🌬️ Practical Applications

📐 Spatial Redefinition and Aesthetic Enhancement

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining the Folding Screen

Global Journey of an Ancient Form

Etymological Roots: "Wind Blocker"

Chinese Legacy

Ancient Origins and Evolution

Artistic Expression and Literary Significance

Korean Artistry

The Byeongpung Tradition

Royal and Scholarly Motifs

Japanese Aesthetics

The Byōbu Tradition

Evolving Styles and Patronage

Vietnamese Heritage

Bình Phong in Vietnamese Culture

Decorative Techniques and Architectural Adaptation

European Influence

Introduction to the Western World

Admiration and Collection

Modern Utility

Practical Applications

Spatial Redefinition and Aesthetic Enhancement

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice