On each of these two six-panel screens are three double-spaced inscriptions. The meaning of the Gyosho or semi-cursive script inscriptions is infused with the spirit of the classical East Asian scholarly or Literati tradition. The two screens, right and left, are divided thematically. The first features the ‘Pine’, ‘Plum’ and ‘Bamboo’, traditionally ‘the three friends of winter’. The left-hand refers to the treasures of the Literati: ’Tea’, the ‘Koto’ (zither) and ‘Bell’. The large character panels read from right to left: right screen, ‘Pine Wood, Plum, Moon, Bamboo Rain’; left screen, ‘Tea Smoke, Koto sounds, Voice of the Bell’.

The calligraphy on these mid-nineteenth century screens is dramatic, powerful and arresting. The quality of the brushwork is lively and inspired. Calligraphers like Beian – the Literati – along with Tea Masters in Japan, played an important role in preserving traditional aesthetic values and nurturing cultural identity.

The right-hand screen is singed Beian Gai, the left-hand is signed with an inscription, ‘Written as a gift for the Master of Shobaikan ("Pine and Plum Hall"), by Old Man Beian Gai’, suggesting that the artist gave the calligraphy to a friend. Each panel has his seals. The modest worn-silver mounts typical of scholarly screens are probably the original ones.

The screens have been purchased through the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation with funds generously provided by Andrew and Hiroko Gwinnett who have purchased other Japanese works for the Gallery’s collection.