Product Description

6776                A two-fold paper screen painted in ink and colour on a gold ground with a group of four tsuru (cranes) resting on the shore next to dwarf bamboo, rocks and autumn flowers. Matsu (pine trees) and red momiji (maple trees) growing on two peaks in the distance are partially obscured by golden clouds

Japan late 18th / early 19th century Edo period

Dimensions: H. 65¾” x W. 70½” (166.5cm x 179cm)

Two of the cranes depicted on this screen are the white-naped crane, which migrates yearly to its wintering grounds in Southern Japan. Alongside them are a pair of red-crowned, or Japanese, cranes which are said to live for 1,000 years.

Tsuru (cranes) are among the premier symbols of longevity and good fortune in East 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. Ancient Taoist alchemists believed that imbibing beverages made with crane eggs or tortoise shells would increase one’s vital energies.

In Japan, the crane is the animal most frequently seen in the fine and applied arts. Although a common subject of painting, it is most closely associated with the New Year and with marriage ceremonies. In earlier times, when the Japanese still used circular brass mirrors and presented them on the occasion of a marriage, the crane was a favoured decorative theme due to its association with fidelity. In recent centuries, the crane has appeared on elaborately embroidered wedding kimono and among the mizuhiki (cord made from twisted paper) decorations presented at the time of betrothal.

The matsu (pine tree) holds a prominent role in Japanese art, largely due to its auspicious associations which were originally adopted form Chinese traditions. This evergreen has long been seen as a symbol of longevity, steadfastness and good fortune due to its ability to remain green and fresh even during the fiercest of winters. Furthermore, in Japan the pine has always been prized for its practical uses, and its attractive appearance lends itself to being creatively represented in both painting and design. Along with the plum and bamboo, the pine is also one of the ‘Three Friends of Winter’ which is a popular theme in Japanese art.