在ヒューストン日本国総領事館

Ladies and Gentlemen: Good evening. I would like to first thank the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Japan Foundation, the Asian Cultural Council and all those who have organized tonight’s lecture as well as the many professionals who have dedicated their time and effort to researching and restoring the Japanese screen we are here to learn about tonight.

The Japanese word for the folding screen is “Byobu” which translates as Byo – guard and Bu – wind. Literally a byobu is a guard from the wind.At the beginning the screen was only a functional device with a simple purpose, but through the generations screens became lavish art pieces – the atmosphere of a room can instantly change as a screen is unfolded.

The Hie Sanno Sairei-Zu screen is an example of classic Japanese beauty.

This evening we have a pair of wonderful lectures presented by Mr. Takahiro Nakamura and Ms. Tomoko Emura. Through their remarks, we can better understand the byobu, the conservation process, and even learn about the Sanno Festival portrayed on the screen.

I would like to close by pointing out that Japanese artwork is often very delicate, if left alone materials such as paper, silk and the light wood can age poorly. However, withproper maintenance we can keep the artwork beautiful for a very long time. Of course it is not easy. We all see the beauty of the Hie Sanno Sairei-Zu and I am proud that our cultural heritage can withstand the stress of time. These conservation techniques which we will hear about tonight are continuing to keep our culture alive and vibrant as we continue on into the future.

Thank you very much.