Description

山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888) Gold Leaf Framed Yamaoka Tesshu Calligraphy Paired Six Panels Folding Screens Byobu Room Dividers VB133

欲得安身處寒山　可長保微風吹幽　松近聴聲愈好下　有斑白人喃々読　黄老十年帰不得　忘却来時道
If you seek a place to stabilise body and mind, come to Hanshan, a tranquil haven for longevity and peace. A gentle breeze blows through the pines of the secluded valley; the sound grows ever more soothing the closer you listen. Beneath the pines sits an old man with streaks of white hair, muttering to himself as he reads the sacred texts of the Daoist canon. He has lived in seclusion for ten years, showing no sign of returning, and has even forgotten the path that brought him here.

雍容美少年博覽　諸経史尽號曰先　生皆称為学士未　能得官職不解秉　耒耜冬披破布衫　蓋是書誤己
A serene and handsome youth idles away his days poring over scriptures and histories. All call him Master, and hail him as a scholar. Yet he has never held office, nor does he know how to till the soil. Come winter, he merely wraps himself in tattered robes. One suspects his books have led him astray.

世有多事人廣学　諸知見不識本真　性与道転懸遠若　能明実相豈用陳　虚願一念了自心　開佛之知見
In this world, there are those who favour busyness, learning all manner of knowledge and becoming broadly versed. Yet, not knowing the true nature of things, they drift ever further from the Way. If one could only discern the truth, why would there be need for vain aspirations? With a single thought, awakening to one's true mind, the wisdom of the Buddha will open.

男兒大丈夫作事　莫莽鹵勁挺鐵石　心直取菩提路邪　路不用行行之枉　苦辛不要求佛果　識取心王主
O noble man, in all you do, be not rash. Stir up a heart as firm as iron and stone, and advance resolutely along the path leading directly to enlightenment. Do not stray onto the wrong path. The wrong path brings only futile toil. Seek Buddhahood not in others, but find it within your own heart.

山岡鉄舟 Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888)
A famous samurai of the Bakumatsu period, who played an important role in the Meiji Restoration. The founder of the Itto Shoden Muto-ryu school of swordsmanship. Brother-in-law of Takahashi Deishu. Together with Katsu Kaishu and Takahashi Deishu, he is known as one of the Three Shu (Sanshu) of the Bakumatsu Period. During the Boshin War, he met Saigo Takamori as an emissary of Katsu Kaishu and paved the way for the opening of Edo Castle. He mastered the three arts of swordsmanship, Zen, and calligraphy. It is said that he wrote a million sheets of calligraphy during his lifetime because he never refused to write if people asked him to.

with signature 'Tesshu' 鉄舟 and seal 'Yamaoka Tetsutaro in' 山岡鐵太郎印

A commanding presence defines this pair of six‑panel folding screens by Yamaoka Tesshū (1836–1888), written in bold, sweeping strokes that reflect the force and clarity of his Zen‑trained hand. The text is drawn from the Hanshan shi (Cold Mountain Poems), a classical collection long cherished in both Zen and literary circles. Its verses speak of retreating into the mountains, seeking clarity beyond worldly concerns, and discovering the true mind through simplicity—an ideal that resonated deeply with Tesshū’s own life of swordsmanship, Zen practice, and tireless devotion to calligraphy. Across the screens, the brushwork moves with a rhythm that feels both spontaneous and deeply grounded, each character carrying the weight of a lifetime spent refining body, mind, and technique. Tesshū, famed as one of the “Three Shu” of the Bakumatsu period and known for writing countless sheets of calligraphy without refusing a request, signs the work “Tesshū” (鉄舟) with the seal “Yamaoka Tetsutarō in” (山岡鐵太郎印), affirming its authenticity and lineage. In an interior, the screens create an atmosphere of spacious calm—the large fields of gold leaf catching light softly, while the vigorous ink lines introduce a sense of movement and meditative strength. The combination of classical poetry and Tesshū’s unmistakable brushwork gives the piece a presence that is both historical and quietly transformative.

Six panels dimensions: 138.5" W x 68.1" H / 351.8cm x 173cm
One panel dimensions: 23.7" W x 68.1" H / 60.3cm x 173cm

Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted

Weight: 21.9kg

Condition

Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: STAIN, DAMAGE.

About the colors of the photos

The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.

Shipping

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Important notice regarding shipping and returns:
This byōbu folding screen is classified as oversized cargo. As such, international shipping costs are exceptionally high. However, in order to reduce the overall burden on our buyers — including overseas shipping costs and import-related expenses — we are offering free international shipping. For this reason, if a return is requested after the item has been received, we kindly ask that the return shipping costs be covered by the buyer. By completing the purchase, you are deemed to have agreed to these conditions. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the item, its condition, or the shipping terms, please contact us before making a purchase.