Kakemono Heron and Peonies

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Period:
Shôwa (1926–1989)
Dimensions (height x width):
174 x 40 cm
Item number:
4923

This piece has been sold.

Sold – no longer available

This piece was a handmade one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.

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Details about the sold piece

  • JikusakiWood
  • Material HonshiPaper
  • MotifAnimals, Flowers and Plants
  • TechniqueHand-Painted

Description

Between slender blades of grass and the lushly blooming umbels of a peony, a small heron stands on this kakemono, its long beak and raised crest lending it a watchful, elegant appearance. The combination of bird and blossom is one of the classic motifs of Japanese bird-and-flower painting, known as kachô-ga, which has combined observation of nature with decorative elegance for centuries.

The coloring is strikingly delicate: pale pink and coral tones of the blossoms stand out softly against the greenish leaves and the muted plumage of the heron, while the golden-yellow ground of the silk lends the entire image a warm, festive radiance. In Japan, the peony is traditionally regarded as a symbol of prosperity and honor, so that the composition carries a positive symbolism in addition to its aesthetic effect.

The motif was hand-painted on paper and was created in the Shôwa period. The hanging scroll has jikusaki made of wood and is a fine example of Japanese nature painting for lovers of classic kakemono.

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