vintage japanese shikishi print : crane

The crane (or Tsuru) is a treasured symbol of happiness and long life throughout Japan, imagined to live for 1000 years. Kobayashi Kokei's (1883-1957) depiction offers a gently stylised vision of this very special bird, looking wise and serene at rest.

Yokoyama Taikan was a leading figure in the early twentieth century Japanese art world, and this print is from a collection of reproductions of original Japanese artworks presented to him for his 60th birthday, in 1928. What an incredible gift!

Printed on shikishi board - a traditional Japanese art material with subtle flecking and a bevelled edge in gold - these works may be framed or propped, and look spectacular in pairs or as a triptych.