Where can I see Screen of Two Dancers (Bugi zu byōbu)?

Screen of Two Dancers (Bugi zu byōbu) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Screen of Two Dancers (Bugi zu byōbu)?

Screen of Two Dancers (Bugi zu byōbu) is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Artwork

Screen of Two Dancers (Bugi zu byōbu)

Screen of Two Dancers (Bugi zu byōbu) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1716 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The work is a painted folding screen (byōbu) on wooden panels, created in Japan in 1716. It depicts two dancers in a composition noted for its fluid lines and stylized figures characteristic of early Edo-period screen painting. The surface bears signs of age but retains vibrant pigments, with minor wear observed at panel edges consistent with historical handling of such works.

Overview

Screen of Two Dancers (Bugi zu byōbu) is a Japanese folding screen painting that depicts a pair of women in traditional costume. The composition is set on a checkered floor, creating spatial depth, while each figure holds a fan, one in the right hand, the other in the left. The work is executed in a restrained palette, emphasizing line and pattern over vivid coloration.

Subject & Meaning

The two figures are presented as dancers, their poised stances and fan gestures suggesting a ceremonial or performative context. Their elaborate kimono designs, rendered with fine detail, reflect the aesthetic values of courtly attire and the cultural importance of dance as a refined art form in historical Japan.

Context

Folding screens (byōbu) served both functional and decorative purposes, partitioning interior spaces while showcasing artistic skill. This piece aligns with the tradition of screen paintings that combine narrative scenes with ornamental design, often displayed in aristocratic or tea‑house settings where the elegance of the depicted dancers would complement the refined atmosphere.

Artist & collection

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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