An exquisite Japanese four-fold screen, covered in gold-leafed and polychrome painted silk. Early to mid 20th century. Decorated with a festive flower cart with peonies, chrysanthemum, irises, sakura and other native flowers, on a gilded moire silk ground, bordered with double gold silk brocade band and mounted within a black lacquer wooden frame with brass bound corners. Signed by the maker lower right. Superb handmade quality, perfect mounted on a wall as a picture, above your sofa or bed.

This spectacular screen illustrates the characteristic elegance, stylisation and flat surface design of Japanese art. On the gilded moire silk is depicted a festive black lacquered cart carrying a basket of peonies and chrysanthemums, and a cluster of irises under hanging sakura blossoms. The vehicle is equipped with long shafts, adorned with tassels. The the peonies, irises and chrysanthemums allude to summer and autumn. In Japan the progression of seasonal changes is an important element in the appreciation of art and beauty, as it is closely associated with the awareness of the passing of time and the evanescence of nature.

In China and Japan, the peony (called ‘the King of Flowers’) is the emblem of wealth and of high social status or rank, and the chrysanthemum is the symbol of long life.

Four folding panels, each measures 60 cm wide, height 152 cm; Total width 243 cm.