A magnificent tall six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) by Takahashi Shûka 高橋秋華 (1878–1952), depicting a gathering of red-crowned cranes 丹頂鶴 (tanchô’duru) beside young pine saplings 松 (matsu). Three cranes occupy the scene: one moving forward with its head lowered, one standing with its beak raised as if calling, and another resting with one leg tucked in, looking toward the saplings. Cranes and pine trees are a popular symbolic pair in Japan. In Japanese symbolism, it is said that cranes live to be a thousand years old, and serve as powerful symbols of youth and longevity in both literature and art. Pine trees also represent longevity, as well as good fortune and steadfastness. Signed and sealed in the lower right corner: “Shûka Bin” 秋華敏. Period: Japan – attributed date 1922, Taishô period. Takahashi Shûka was a painter from Kôjima Village 幸島村 in Okayama Prefecture. Born Binta 敏太, and known by the art names Hanka 半香 and Chôôkyo 聴鴬居, he trained first under Ishii Kinryô 石井金陵, and later in Kyôto with Tsuji Kakô 都路華香 and Yamamoto Shunkyô 山元春挙, becoming a member of Shunkyô’s Sanae-kai 早苗会. He exhibited widely, receiving prizes at the Domestic Industrial Exposition 内国勧業博覧会 and the Russo-Japanese War Victory Exhibition 日露戦捷博覧会, and was selected multiple times for the Bunten 文展. In 1922 his painting Peony was purchased by the French government at the Japan–France Art Exchange Exhibition. His 1930 mural Nativity for the Meiji Jingû Picture Gallery 明治神宮聖徳記念絵画館 was commissioned by the Empress. Executed in colour and ink on golden silk mounted on paper, the screen is encased in a black lacquered wooden frame fitted with protective hardware. Dimensions: Total width 368.8 cm (2 × 62.8 cm, 4 × 60.8 cm); Height 173.3 cm In very good restored condition, with minor traces consistent with age on both sides. The reverse shows some areas of repapering. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. This folding screen is well-suited for mounting flat on a wall and displaying as a single work of art. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity. Please note: Due to the holidays, shipping and handling times may be longer. Thank you for your understanding.