Japonisme Silkscreen, Pair of Japanese Cranes by the Water with Ginkgo and Iris Decor, Black Lacquered Frame. 1980s

The composition draws inspiration from Japanese screens of the Edo period: two red-crowned cranes stand by a dark water, surrounded by blue iris, flowering stems and stylized ginkgo leaves, while mauve hills and a scattering of gold-leaf squares animate the ochre ground. The silkscreen is heightened with gold, underlined with a gold line, and presented under glass in a black lacquered frame with brass corners.

This decorative Japonisme, which revisits the great motifs of the Japanese print and screen — the crane, a symbol of longevity and fidelity — enjoyed a strong revival in the 1980s, echoing the decade's taste for black lacquers and sophisticated interiors.

Condition report: Good overall condition. Fresh colours and well-preserved gold highlights, glass possibly showing probable surface micro-scratches, lacquered frame with small wear marks from use. A large and soothing format, perfect above a console table, a sofa or a lacquered chest of drawers.