Folding screen with Mount Fuji & cranes - Paper, Wood, Gold leaf - Higashiyama Giryô 東山義亮 (active 1831-1836) - Japan - Late Edo period (1831-1836)

A charming low four-panel folding screen 屏風 (byôbu) with a painting by Higashiyama Giryô 東山義亮 (active 1831-1836), depicting a distant view of the iconic Mount Fuji 富士山 (Fuji-san) and the vast landscape surrounding it.

The snow-covered white peak towers above a rugged landscape of rocky formations densely covered with pine trees 松 (matsu). Below stretches a broad lake populated by numerous Japanese red-crowned cranes 丹頂鶴 (tanchôzuru). Some stand in and around the shallow water, while many more approach in flight from the east, where the rising sun can just be glimpsed amidst the clouds. The foreground is dominated by massive ancient pine trees, their twisting trunks and spreading branches growing amongst the rugged rocks.

Signed and sealed twice in the lower right corner: 來青逸人東山義亮寫, “Painted by Higashiyama Giryô 東山義亮, known as Raisei 來青, the recluse.”

Higashiyama Giryô 東山義亮 was a 19th-century Japanese painter and surimono woodblock print artist active during the late Edo period. He was the son of the painter Higashiyama Geppô.

Executed in colour and ink on mulberry paper, set within a gold leaf border and encased in a dark wooden frame.

Period: Japan – Late Edo period (first half 19th century).

Dimensions:
Height 103.5 cm, Total width 159.4 cm (2x 40.7 cm, and 2x 39 cm)

In good restored condition with traces of wear consistent with age on both sides, including discolouration, water staining, patched-up areas of the gold leaf border, areas of repapering to the reverse and strengthened hinges. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.

The folding screen is well suited for mounting flat on a wall as a decorative work of art, but can also be displayed as a freestanding piece.

When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.