October Fall Classic
Lot 1228:
Description
This striking piece is a traditional Japanese painting, known as Bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), depicting a single woman, likely a geisha or high-status courtesan, in a standing pose holding a fan. The painting is executed in mineral pigments on a silk or fine paper ground, characteristic of the nihonga style prevalent from the Meiji (1868–1912) through the Taisho (1912–1926) periods. The slender, vertical composition strongly suggests it was originally a kakemono (hanging scroll), which has since been removed from its rollers and mounted within a later, Western-style, deeply carved giltwood frame. The subject is exquisitely dressed in a patterned kimono with long, sweeping sleeves, rendered with delicate details and rich, albeit aged, colors. The seal you inquired about, bearing the characters ? (naru / sei) and ? (kotobuki), is the artist’s or studio’s signature seal. While the exact artist using this combination is not immediately identifiable without deeper archive research, the seal itself is a strong indicator of a traditional Japanese artwork. The condition of the painting itself shows significant foxing (age spots/browning) and wear across the silk/paper ground, consistent with an antique item that has been exposed to moisture and light over many decades. The modern gilt frame is ornate and appears structurally sound, though there may be minor nicks or rubbing to the finish. This is an attractive example of Japanese decorative art that appeals to collectors of Japonisme and Meiji-era paintings. Framed H 57.75”, W 24.25″, D 2″. Scroll dimensions in frame: 17” W, 51.5” H. See photos.
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