Flying Cranes and Red Fuji 赤富士飛鶴 - Silk - Japan - 20th century

Two red-crowned cranes sweep through mist in this hand-painted Japanese hanging scroll, their white wings luminous beneath Fuji’s quiet red summit.

Charcoal flight feathers soften into grey, while opposing wingbeats give the pair a poised rhythm. Finely drawn pine needles anchor the scene within its muted brocade border. It likely dates to the second half of the twentieth century.

赤富士飛鶴 (Akafuji hikaku, “Red Fuji and flying cranes”) brings together Japan’s sacred mountain, cranes and evergreen pine: traditional symbols of long life and harmonious partnership.

The image measures 187 × 45 cm, excluding the mounting. Sourced from Japan, it includes an inscribed wooden box, a certificate naming Yamamoto Kōun and a reused cardboard protector. The painting has minor specks; the mounting shows light toning, small marks, roll lines and slight fraying. The box is lightly worn; the certificate is creased and the protector has scuffed corners. I am not a specialist; the accompanying certificate has not been independently authenticated.