A serene mid-sized six-panel byôbu 屏風 (folding screen) by Maekawa Bunrei 前川文嶺 (1837–1917), showcasing a refined Shijô School 四条派 kachôga 花鳥画 (bird-and-flower painting). The idyllic landscape is filled with seasonal wildflowers, amongst which a flock of sparrows 雀 (suzume) flit and forage. Blooming throughout the composition are pink hibiscus 芙蓉 (fuyô), blue bellflowers 桔梗 (kikyô), and yellow wild asters 野菊 (nogiku), all set against softly drifting clouds heightened with scattered gold leaf. The delicate naturalism and balanced composition are characteristic of the Kyoto-based Shijô tradition. The painting is signed and sealed in the lower left corner with the inscription ‘Bunrei’ 文嶺, accompanied by two artist's seals. Maekawa Bunrei 前川文嶺 (1837–1917) was a Japanese painter of the Shijô School active in Kyoto during the late Edo and Meiji periods. The son of Maekawa Gorei 前川五嶺, himself a pupil of Matsumura Keibun 松村景文, Bunrei received his artistic training from his father and became particularly known for his bird-and-flower paintings. He participated in artistic circles such as the Joun-sha 如雲社 and the Kyoto Art Association 京都美術協会, taught at the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting 京都府画学校, and served as a judge for important national exhibitions. Executed in colour and ink on paper. The painting is bordered by two silk trims, a slender ecru inner border and a broad pastel green outer border. The panels are set within a red lacquered wooden frame fitted with protective copper hardware. The reverse is lined with golden dupion silk. Period: Japan – Around 1900 (Meiji period) Dimensions: Total width 275.8 cm (2 × 47.3 cm, 4 × 45.3 cm); Height 136.7 cm In very good restored condition, with traces of wear and restorations consistent with age. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference. 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 standalone piece. When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.