Byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) - Lacquered wood

An exquisite tall six-panel folding screen 屏風 (byôbu), featuring a refined Kanô School 狩野派 style painting of an auspicious waterside landscape with cranes 鶴 (tsuru). The composition is dominated on the right by the dramatic twisting trunk and spreading branches of a flowering plum tree 梅 (ume). Around its base grow dwarf bamboo 笹 (sasa) and flowering shrubs with white and pink blossoms. Along the water's edge three cranes gather, comprising two red-crowned cranes 丹頂鶴 (tanchôzuru) and a white-naped crane 真鶴 (mana’zuru). One crane bends towards the water while the other two stand prominently beneath the flowering plum. On the left, three swallows 燕 (tsubame) sweep through the air above the water, with softly rendered hills and flowering trees appearing in the distance. The entire composition is set against a rich gold-leaf ground, with dense stylised gold clouds and finely speckled edges running through the landscape. Executed in mineral pigments and ink on mulberry paper against a shimmering gold-leaf ground. The painting is surrounded by two patterned silk brocade borders and mounted within a vibrant red lacquered wooden frame. Period: Japan – Second half Edo period (18th–first half 19th century). Dimensions: Total width 349 cm (2 × 59.7 cm and 4 × 57.4 cm); Height 173.5 cm. Considering its age, the screen is in very good restored condition with traces of wear consistent with age on both sides. There are restorations and touch-ups to the gold leaf, together with some small chips and wear to the red lacquered frame. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. The folding screen is well suited for mounting flat on a wall and presenting as a single work of art, but can also be displayed as a standalone piece. When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.

Estimate:£4,224.18

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