4 12” wide x 30” high framed artwork depicting the 4 seasons using jade, coral, onyx and ivory lapidary pieces. The 4 seasons represent joy, longevity, prosperity and hope.
My parents purchased them when they visited Japan in the 1979
Thank you for contacting Mearto. This is a set of four lapidary panels from Japan. They appear to be 20th century. It is unlikely that jade or more expensive stone are used, but most often soapstone or perhaps nephrite jade. Ivory can be identified by the grain marks, and it is unlikely to have been used. These types of pieces are also commonly seen in Chinese art, but the Japanese use of negative space is apparent here.
Prices for this kind of art varies, based on different factors like intricacy, age, condition, and materials. I am adding links with similar pieces of different values, to give you an idea of the market. Based on comparisons, the Fair Market Value of your panels is between $100 and $200.
19th century, $2000
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9503720_320-japanese-black-shell-inlaid-screen-late-19th-c-e
$3690, 2 panels
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/fine-japanese-two-panel-shibayama-screen-signed-215-c-dcc4ada968
$225, 2 panels
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/89705591_japanese-shibayama-style-lacquer-and-carved-wood-two
*$25, 4 panels
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/6204268_401-four-20th-c-japanese-carvedand-inlay-stone-panels
$10, 4 panels
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/four-japanese-lacquered-panels-with-stone-composi-171-c-37f4bbd907
*80 L, 4 panels
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/four-japanese-wall-panels-decorated-in-relief-with-342-c-wob6je2g6i
Ivory grain:
https://www.realorrepro.com/article/Ivory-genuine-fake--confusing