A remarkable discovery has been made in the realm of Japanese art history, with a set of folding screens from a prestigious family collection in Aomori Prefecture potentially forming a pair with a similar piece housed at the British Museum. This revelation comes after extensive research by a renowned expert in the Kano school of painting.
Background of the Collection
The family in question, the Miyagoshi family of Nakadomari-cho, Aomori Prefecture, is well-known for its extensive collection of valuable artworks. These treasures were amassed by the family patriarch during the Taisho to early Showa periods, using private funds. The collection has gained significant attention over the years for its historical and artistic significance.
The Discovery
The discovery was made by Dr. Yoshinari Yamashita, a distinguished researcher of the Kano school and former chief researcher at the Kyoto National Museum. Dr. Yamashita identified that four folding screens from the Miyagoshi family’s collection could very well be a matching pair to a set of screens at the British Museum titled Autumn and Winter Birds and Flowers.
Artistic Details
The Miyagoshi screens depict scenes symbolic of spring, with cherry blossoms and pheasants, as well as a summer scene featuring a stream. Notably, a portion of the stream in the Miyagoshi screens seamlessly connects with the pattern found in the British Museum’s Autumn and Winter Birds and Flowers. Furthermore, the styles of the two works, as well as the shapes of the metal handles used as fasteners, are strikingly consistent.
Historical Significance
Dr. Yamashita emphasizes the importance of this discovery, stating, This work is extremely significant, as it represents the cultural transformation from the opulent and vibrant Momoyama period to the delicate and graceful Edo period in Japan. To have survived for 400 years, escaping the ravages of war and natural disasters, is a testament to its resilience.
The Cultural Transition
The period between the Momoyama and Edo eras was a time of profound change in Japanese culture and art. The Momoyama period, known for its elaborate and luxurious artistic styles, gave way to the Edo period, which was characterized by a more refined and understated aesthetic. The folding screens in question are a perfect example of this transition, showcasing the evolution of artistic expression during this pivotal time.
Conservation Efforts
The survival of these screens is a testament to the meticulous conservation efforts of the Miyagoshi family and the British Museum. The screens have been carefully preserved over the centuries, ensuring that they remain in excellent condition for future generations to appreciate.
Implications for Art History
This discovery has significant implications for the field of art history, as it provides new insights into the artistic practices of the Kano school during the Edo period. It also highlights the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in the study of historical art, as the connection between the two sets of screens spans continents and centuries.
Conclusion
The potential pairing of the Miyagoshi family’s folding screens with the British Museum’s Autumn and Winter Birds and Flowers is a thrilling development for art enthusiasts and historians alike. It not only enriches our understanding of Japanese art history but also underscores the universal language of art that transcends borders and time.
Credit: NHK World
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