Folding Screen The Bamboo River c. 1915 - 1940

Ogyu Tensen made this screen painting, called "Folding Screen The Bamboo River," probably with mineral pigments on paper. The subtle gradations and delicate brushstrokes have an almost ethereal quality, a testament to the artist’s careful process. Looking at the robes, the artist has built up layers of color and pattern. Look closely at the figure’s outer robe, that striking array of blues, greens, and oranges. These colors aren't blended so much as juxtaposed, giving a shimmer. The texture is flat, but the effect is dynamic. It's like Tensen is composing with textiles, creating a visual harmony of form and color. The folds and creases around the bottom of the robe are simplified into curving lines, which contrasts the angularity of the balcony. This approach reminds me of the Nabis painters in France, particularly someone like Bonnard, who combined observed reality with pattern-making. But here, Tensen brings a Japanese sensibility. In the end, “Folding Screen The Bamboo River” is a testament to the ongoing conversation between artists across different cultures and eras.