A Courting Pair of Red Crowned Cranes, Lakeside, Chinese Republic Period, Cut Glass, Hand Painted Picture

Details

Description

Very unusual framed 'surface cut' glass panel depicting a pair of courting Red Crowned Cranes under young pine trees, beside … Read more Very unusual framed 'surface cut' glass panel depicting a pair of courting Red Crowned Cranes under young pine trees, beside a lake with beautiful bamboo on the shoreline.
The glass would have been cut and etched by hand, and later colour applied by the same method. This wall hanging required a skilled artisan to make this - each feather & pine needle is delicately cut, the photos don't do this justice! When one runs ones hand across the surface, the cutwork can be felt - just like an engraved wine glass surface.
Left side inscription. Roughly translates as "Kansai in Mid Spring should be in your heart".
Rosewood framed. A heavy piece, 8lbs.
Listed by East2West Furniture, Florida.

Further reading. A symbol of longevity, the crane (he 鶴) is also known as the "bird of the immortals" (xianqin 仙禽). Its white plumage is a sign of purity, and its red crown indicates that its call reaches up to heaven. This assemblage was likely an auspicious picture that conveyed wishes for long life and prosperity.
In Japan these cranes are considered sacred as they are considered a sign of fidelity in marriage. See less