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Noble lady's carriage and a flower cart
(Goshoguruma 御所車)
(early 18th century)
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1994
- Gallery location
- Level 1, NGV International
About this work
Japanese screens are viewed from right to left and follow the progression of the seasons. Here the right screen displays an aristocrat’s carriage under a weeping cherry tree and beside a group of poppies, suggesting the arrival of spring. On the left screen we find a flower cart surrounded by hanging wisteria providing shade from the summer sun, and irises and peonies representing the rainy season of early summer. In the cart, peonies and chrysanthemums, representing autumn and the imperial family, symbolise wealth and abundance. Golden screens (kinbyōbu) like these were used to divide the large interior spaces of aristocratic villas and castles into smaller areas for private activities. Gold leafing was both decorative and practical, as it reflected light to illuminate dark interiors.
Artwork Details
(b) 170.0 × 366.0 cm (image and sheet)
Purchased, 1994
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation