A Japanese table screen depicting a nightingale sitting in a blooming plum tree. The scene within of black lacquer medallion frame resting on sled feet. Nightingales (uguisu) and plum blossoms (ume) are both thought of as harbingers of spring, so there is a long tradition of depicting them together. Plums are the first tree to bloom, which gives them their other Japanese name, harutsuge-gusa (the flower that heralds spring). Likewise, the nightingale, whose song announces the coming of spring, bears the name harutsuge-dori (the bird that heralds spring). Table screens were often placed on a scholar's desk as an object of appreciation. With crack to lacquer in the frame and some loss to carving.
Late Edo Period, early 19th century
19½” high x 14½” high x 6½” deep at base
