Explanations for this object

The work was painted during a new year’s visit of Adolf and Frieda Fischer to Gyokusen’s studio. He started with the peony, followed by his students, who each added a motif, signature and stamped their seal. The collaboration of painters on so-called ‘party scrolls’ had been fostered since the 18th century as evidence of friendship between rival artists. Gyokusen was among the Nihonga painters active in Kyôto in the late 19th century, who was also known abroad. At the World Fairs in Paris (1889) and Chicago (1893) he won major awards.

Author: Adele Schlombs