A FINE SIX-PANEL BYOBU (FOLDING SCREEN) DEPICTING CRANES AND PINES

拍品描述

A FINE SIX-PANEL BYOBU (FOLDING SCREEN) DEPICTING CRANES AND PINES Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Ink, watercolors, gouache, and gold and silver foil on paper. Mounted on silk brocade on six roiro lacquered wood panels with mixed-metal fittings on silver mounts. Finely painted to depict a dense forest of neatly detailed gnarled pine trees divided by a stream in which tanchozuru (red-crowned cranes) are frolicking, one preening itself, another looking for fish in the water, while others raise their heads up to look at their companion who flies with its wings spread-eagled. SIZE 171.7 x 367 cm With a fitted wood storage box. The crane is one of the most prominent symbols of longevity and good fortune in Asia. For at least two millennia, the Chinese have viewed them as living to a great age and as being able to navigate between heaven and earth. In turn, these attributes have made them logical companions of sennin, the Taoist Immortals. The red-crowned, or Japanese, crane depicted in this painting is said to live for 1,000 years. Pine is an auspicious symbol in Japan, representing longevity due to its long life, and endurance as it remains green throughout the winter months. The pine trees depicted in this painting introduce a freshness and liveliness which complement the spirited movements of the cranes. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related six-panel byobu panel depicting cranes and pines, dated to the 19th century, 171.8 x 367 cm size, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 2 December 2022, Vienna, lot 106 (sold for EUR 11,700).

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