18th Century Japanese Screen Pair. Plum & Young Pines. Kano School.

This pair of Japanese folding screens depict blossoming plum trees amongst young pines. They are designed to capture the changing seasons, from winter to spring, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and seeking inspiration from it. Rather than a naturalistic depiction, here the trees and flowers are depicted in a heavily stylized manner influenced by traditional Chinese landscape painting. The copious use of gold leaf conveys a sense of opulence and grandeur and this pair of screens have a particularly beautiful patina. The composition makes full use of the large canvas without overwhelming the space. The negative space is utilized to emphasize the elegant lines and curves of the plum branches and the youthful nature of the pine trees.

These screens were painted by a member of the influential Kano academy of painters. The Kano school operated as a hereditary school with a widespread workshop system. Kano school artists were renowned for producing large-scale screen paintings. These screens were used to define and decorate spaces in castles, temples, and other significant locations. These large-scale screen paintings not only served as decorative elements but also played a role in conveying cultural and historical narratives.

This pair of screens would have been displayed around the New Year period, emphasizing the values of perseverance and strength in the pursuit of a disciplined and enlightened life. The plum blossom is one of the first flowers to bloom in late winter or early spring, signifying hope and renewal. It is widely admired for its beauty and fragrance. In art, the plum blossom represents the coming of spring after the harsh winter, making it a symbol of endurance and new beginnings. The young pine trees similarly convey feelings of revitalization and hope, whilst its evergreen nature also alludes to perpetuity and timelessness.