Flower Cart (Gosha-guruma) Screen
Folding screen (Byobu), likely a four-panel or six-panel floor screen, ink and pigment on paper mounted on a wooden framework • Japanese School, unsigned or bearing a decorative signature and seal in the right margin, likely produced in a specialized workshop
Style & Movement
Traditional Japanese Nihonga style / Rinpa school revival motif
Medium & Technique
Mineral pigments, ink, and gofun (shell white) on paper applied to a folding wooden screen lattice; fine Japanese painting techniques including traditional linework and flat/shaded color washes
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century (Showa period)
Dimensions & Format
Multi-panel folding screen, estimated overall length of 160-180 cm and height of 90-100 cm
Subject Description
A traditional Japanese court cart (gosha-guruma or flower cart) overflowing with a profusion of seasonal flowers including peonies, chrysanthemums, wisteria, and blossoming cherry branches, symbolizing auspiciousness, spring, and courtly elegance
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition; paper surfaces appear stable with minor toning consistent with age, and framing edges are intact with standard wear along the hinges
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a decorative export or interior furnishing piece from a Japanese art or antique dealer in the mid-to-late 20th century
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the enduring popularity of classic Japanese screen painting motifs, particularly the aristocratic Heian-period imagery of flower carts associated with seasonal festivals and classical literature
Notable Features
Detailed rendering of the ornate cart wheel with gold and red highlights, and elegant calligraphic signature with a red seal mark in the upper right corner
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust, slight discoloration or toning of the paper ground, and potential slight wear along the hinge folds
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent paper degradation and pigment fading; clean gently with a soft dry brush only