JAPAN [ASIA]
Embroidered folding screen
c.1880-1900Lacquer, wood, silk, mother of pearl, gilt, paper, paint | 192.5 x 73.7 x 3.2 cm (each leaf) | RCIN 42037
Natural beauty is a central theme of Japanese courtly art, reflecting a keen appreciation of the changing seasons and the worship of local deities (kami) residing in plants and animals. These panels render the four seasons in vibrant colour, from the springtime peacock on the right, to the wintry crane on the left.