Ballade De Heian

Histoires De Carres > Automne/Hiver 2009

Composed with all the delicacy of harmonious music, the carre expresses the elegance of the Heian period (from the eigth to the twelfth century), a fruitful era for the arts in Japan. Bordered by a traditional geometric design, the central tableau and the accompanying scenes pick up themes recurrent in Japanese prints: Mount Fuji in its clouds, travellers on horseback, in palanquins or in boats, accompanied by porters... Four medallions link the stylised flowers, patterns and typical fans found on kimonos. The abundance of cherry-trees, weeping willows, peonies, and peach blossom, recalls the refined settings of Japanese gardens.