Paulownia Sleeve Shoji Screen with Hemp Leaf Pattern

Kobayashi Jodei (1753-1813) is a famous figure as an artisan of Edo Era. He was a master craftsman fostered by Fumai Matsudaira, head of the Matsue Domain and a famous tea ceremony master. Jodei’s “Paulownia Sleeve Shoji Screen” stands out by the beauty of its openwork engraving. The techniques used to make such a work in an era without jigsaws remain veiled in mystery.