A marvellous, tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) with a rare painting of a large white elephant standing under a blooming paulownia tree 桐 (kiri), with a monkey sitting on the ear of his host, looking straight to the spectator.  The friendly looking elephant has an almost human expression. In Japan white elephants symbolize the mind that has been trained to be strong and calm. Because elephants are not native animals in Japan, images were inspired by illustrations and therefore depicted with a lot of fantasy, often not very realistic. Painted on purpose in a "non fitting" manner - partly going beyond the frame to underline the size of this impressive and important animal. The paulownia is considered as the tree of life. The combination of the elephant and a monkey might be a one of a kind image. Signed: 'Mori Kanson' 森間村 with two name seals. Dimensions: Total width: 362.8 cm ( 2 x 61.9 cm and 4 x 59.7 cm), Height: 172.2 cm. Weight 17.4 kg. Period: Japan - Late Edo period (First half 19th century). It is in a very good condition. This screen has been completely restored in Japan and executed in a very professional and high quality manner. The frame and backside are replaced. The painting itself is completely original with some minor repairs and signs of age. Please look at the photos for a clear condition reference. This room divider is very suitable to be mounted flat on a wall and be presented as one piece of art. When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.