Description
The landscape depicted in this pair of screens follows a seasonal progression from right to left, starting with the blossoming plum of early spring and ending with late autumn peonies. A variety of smaller birds are positioned throughout the scene, and a trio of swimming ducks is bracketed by early summer irises and early autumn bellflowers at the center. While some raptors (birds of prey) terrorize a pheasant and an egret (a waterfowl) to the right, a peacock and peahen converse to the left. Hawks are associated with military prowess, while the peafowl suggest cultural prestige.
Provenance
William G. Mather [1857–1951], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1948); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1948-)
Accession Number
1948.128.1
Medium
One of a pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Image: 155.9 x 339.4 cm (61 3/8 x 133 5/8 in.); Overall: 168.5 x 352.2 cm (66 5/16 x 138 11/16 in.); Closed: 172.5 x 61 x 11.3 cm (67 15/16 x 24 x 4 7/16 in.); with frame: 171.7 x 355.4 cm (67 5/8 x 139 15/16 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Gift of William G. Mather