KISHI GANRYO (1798-1852): A BEAUTIFUL SIX-PANEL BYOBU SCREEN DEPICTING CRANES AND PINESBy Kishi Ganryo (1798-1852), signed Utanosuke Shiryo and sealed ‘Ganryo no’ and ‘Shiryoin’Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely decorated with gouache and ink on a vibrant gold leaf background. Signed Utanosuke Shiryo, and with two seals: Ganryo no and Shiryoin (lower right corner). The panels are mounted with silk brocade borders, one made of thin white brocade, and the other, wide moss-green brocade. Mounted to a black-lacquered wood screen with gilt metal fittings with incised decorations.An exceptional and beautiful large six-panel byobu (room divider) with a refined and naturalistic painting of five red-crowned cranes surrounded by young pines. Two cranes are depicted lying on the ground, appearing to rest, with one shown sleeping. Two others stand nearby, one picking at its toes and the other in a relaxed pose with one leg half tucked up. The last crane is shown in motion, walking towards something that has caught its attention in the distant left.SIZE (when opened) 169.9 x 372.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, little soiling, occasional light scratches, and few minuscule tears.Kishi Ganryo (1798-1852), was a Kyoto artist. He was the nephew, pupil and adopted son of Kishi Ganku (1749-1838). Like his father, he was a retainer of Prince Arisugawa and attached to the imperial court. His surviving work is extremely rare.The crane is one of the most prominent symbols of longevity and good fortune in Asia. The red-crowned, or Japanese, crane depicted in this painting is said to live for 1,000 years. Pine is an auspicious symbol in Japan, representing longevity due to its long life, and endurance as it remains green throughout the winter months. The pine trees depicted in this painting introduce a freshness and liveliness which complements the spirited movements of the cranes.