Geese, Reeds, and Water1800s · Study 1997.109

Context from the museum

This byōbu composition differs from most in that it comprises two four-panel screens, rather than two six-panel units. Since the current mounting is modern, it is impossible to determine whether its present configuration represents its original design. Some panels may have been removed to help the screens better fit into a modern interior space. Baiitsu worked almost exclusively in monochromatic ink tones and favored classical Chinese painting themes.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Geese, Reeds, and Water is 350.5 cm wide and 169 cm high, equivalent to approximately 138.0 × 66.5 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 2.07:1. The rectangular bounding area is 5.92 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 116.8% of the span before adding a frame. That exceeds the example wall width, so a smaller reference wall would not reproduce the recorded scale. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Geese, Reeds, and Water in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Pair of four-panel folding screens; ink, color, and cut gold foil on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this horizontal composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 350.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?