Namban Byōbu: Japanese Folding Screens Depicting the Arrival of the Portuguese
The Namban byōbu, or Japanese folding screens, illustrate the initial interaction between Japan and Europe, marked by the arrival of Portuguese vessels in Kyushu in 1543. These screens portray the 'southern barbarians' (Namban) and feature scenes of foreign ships, the loading of cargo, and local residents engaging with the newcomers, alongside Christian symbols that highlight missionary activities initiated by Francis Xavier in 1551, despite the prohibition of Christianity established in 1641. While many of these artworks were created by the Kano school, some representations are not entirely accurate. The Portuguese were the primary players in European-Japanese trade until their decline following the ban. Currently, between 60 and 80 Namban byōbu remain, with significant pieces housed in prominent museums like the Portland Museum of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Key facts
- Namban byōbu are Japanese folding screens depicting the arrival of Portuguese ships at Kyushu in 1543.
- The term 'Namban' means 'southern barbarians' and was used for Portuguese and other foreigners arriving from the south.
- The screens were often made by the Kano school, known for precision, but sometimes contained inaccuracies like imagined ships and Chinese-dressed European women.
- Francis Xavier introduced Christianity to Japan in 1551, and Christian icons appear in the screens.
- Christianity was banned in Japan in 1641, leading to the decline of Portuguese trade and Namban art.
- An estimated 60 to 80 Namban byōbu exist today.
- Examples are held in the Portland Museum of Art, Asian Art Museum San Francisco, National Museum of Asian Art, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- The screens depict the Japanese shore and ocean, with detailed scenes of port activity and foreign visitors.
Entities
Artists
- Kano School
- Francis Xavier
Institutions
- Portland Museum of Art
- Asian Art Museum
- National Museum of Asian Art
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Christie's
Locations
- Japan
- Kyushu
- Tanegashima
- Portland
- San Francisco
- Washington, DC
- New York City
- Goa