Cranes and Pines [right of a pair] c. 19th century

"Cranes and Pines [right of a pair]" is a six-panel screen painting depicting a flock of cranes flying over a winding river, with pines and other foliage dotted along the riverbanks. The artwork, created by Yamamoto Sodō in the late 19th century, exemplifies the Japanese tradition of nature-inspired art, with its delicate depiction of the birds in flight and the serene landscape. The gold background adds a sense of richness and tranquility to the scene, typical of Japanese artistic conventions. The screen, with its expansive dimensions, was likely intended for a grand interior space, highlighting the beauty and harmony of nature in the home. This artwork exemplifies the Japanese style of painting known as *nihonga*, a movement that sought to reassert traditional Japanese aesthetic principles.