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Terms and conditions of use
Noble lady's carriage and a flower cart
(Goshoguruma 御所車)
(early 18th century)
Medium
pair of six panel folding screens: ink, gold paint, pigments on gold leaf on paper, lacquer on wood, silk, brass, copper, paper
Measurements
(a) 170.0 × 359.7 cm (image and sheet)
(b) 170.0 × 366.0 cm (image and sheet)
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
Place/s of Execution
Japan
Accession Number
AS13.a-b-1994
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation