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Japanese Two Panel Screen: Yozakura (Cherry Blossom Viewing at Night)

Venerable old cherry tree in bloom under crescent moon, illuminated by a campfire, with poles to support the weight of its branches. Yozakura is the ancient Japanese tradition of viewing illuminated cherry blossoms at night. Today, cherry blossoms are lit with paper lanterns, or electric lights, but open camp fires were lit in large hanging iron pots in order to cast a larger glow in more open spaces. Yozakura started during the Nara era (710 - 794) in the outskirts of Kyoto, in the Higashiyama Hills. This nightly viewing tradition is even referenced in the "Tale of Genji", the 11th century classic Japanese novel. Paintings very similar to this 19th century two panel screen can be found from as early as the Muromachi period (1333 - 1573). Signature reads: Sei ko. Mineral pigments on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border.