Japanese Screen Painting discusses the history and evolution of byōbu, or Japanese folding screens. Screens originated in China and were introduced to Japan during the Nara Period (646-794), starting as single standing panels before multi-paneled screens became popular in the 8th century for use in the imperial court. Through different periods like Heian (794-1185) and Muromachi (1392-1568), screen structure, design, and joining techniques changed while popularity grew. By the Edo Period (1600-1868), screens adorned samurai residences and conveyed social status.