Hanging Antique Japanese Screens
Antique Japanese screens now hang in place of two giant gilded mirrors in my Summer House - and they're so beautiful.
Earlier this year, I purchased two sets of antique Japanese screens by Soga Nichokuan, a highly respected and talented Japanese artist of the 17th century. The two screens show 12 birds of prey, each bird painted and then mounted on individual panels. I knew they would look perfect in my Summer House, but because these large screens needed precise positioning, I needed some expert help. I called on the team from ILevel Art Placement + Installation, the leading company in New York City that specializes exclusively on arranging and securely installing and hanging all types of art - paintings, prints, mirrors, family photo collections, etc. I've worked with ILevel for years. They've done projects for our magazine, "Living" and they've also hung pieces for my daughter, Alexis. A few years ago, they were here at my farm hanging dozens of decorative plates and paintings around my home. And now they're back to install these gorgeous antique screens.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
-
- This is the entrance hall of my Summer House, which I often use for entertaining during the holidays. I decided one of the screens would be perfect on this wall in place of this giant gilded mirror.
-
- I have another mirror on a large wall in this parlor. The second screen would look great here. The colors are just perfect – wait until you see…
-
- The first step is to carefully remove the existing mirrors from the walls. They will be hung somewhere else. Whenever leaning heavy artwork against a wall, always place towels underneath and behind the edges so nothing gets damaged. Art and photos should always be hung after other decorations have been decided. The height and width of pieces will always affect the hanging of any print or painting.
-
- The screens were carefully packaged in boxes, so the team gently removes each screen, so I could decide the exact places where they would be hung.
-
- Here I am talking to Alex about the precise positioning of one screen, which includes six panels. We consider height, width, and placement next to any moldings.
-
- As the screens are unboxed, they are measured.
-
- Once we decided where the screens would be hung, the team begins the important task of measuring and planning where appropriate screws would be positioned.
-
- Here, Alex measures and places level marks on the wall. These marks will ensure the piece is hung completely straight.
-
- Then he double checks the measurement at each point. The team uses blue painter’s tape that has a very light adhesive.
-
- The team tests the screen in the parlor to make sure it fits precisely. In this space, I was concerned the screen would be too wide and block the light switch plate, but fortunately there was just enough clearance.
-
- Alex and Soren work together in measuring and leveling, so it is done as precisely as possible.
-
- The team brings a case filled with all the necessary nails, screws, wall anchors, and hooks.
-
- Using some paper and tape, Alex creates an envelope to catch all the dust from where he is drilling. This saves time and keeps the areas clean.
-
- Then he hammers in a plastic nail anchor. Blue painter’s tape is also placed on the head of the hammer to prevent any marking on the wall.
-
- Next, L-screws are installed – one under each panel to keep it up. Another row above the panels will keep them from tipping forward.
-
- The first one to go up is this screen in the foyer. All four gently pick it up and put it in place. The team always wears gloves while handling precious art work, so there are no finger prints left behind.
-
- Once the screen is up, the team makes sure it is flush against the wall and perfectly level.
-
- Here is the other screen also up on the wall. The team then checks it for level – everything is always checked and double-checked for straightness.
-
- Adam uses a marker to disguise the L-screws. They match perfectly with the frame.
-
- Here is the screen in my parlor. These birds are tethered to perches. The artist, Soga Nichokuan, specialized in avian subjects, particularly birds of prey. His father, Soga Chokuan, was also a talented painter.
-
- Such representations painted on large screens or panels made impressive backdrops in homes and temples. These screens were made in the first half of the 17th century. The gold looks so perfect against the walls.
-
- I am so pleased with how great they look in both my entrance hall and in this room. Thanks Dave, Alex, Adam, and Soren from ILevel. You are true experts in your field.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
