Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves

The image shows the left scroll of the pair, which represents autumn. Against hazy mountains, a tree with a graceful spread of branches stands with red-turned leaves, and low shrubs in autumn color are visible at its foot. A flock of wild geese flies in the distant sky, and a rock sits in the foreground.

According to the museum, the right scroll shows a spring field with cherry trees in full bloom and a pheasant in flight, while the left shows an autumn scene with maple leaves swirling and a flock of geese far off. The tree trunks and rocks show the forceful brushwork typical of the Kano school, which gives the picture its accent.

From the middle ground to the distance, Western atmospheric perspective is used to create a deep space. The work dates from Gaho's mature period, when he was teaching at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and sending out its first class of graduates.