Paintings: Pre 1900

 Watanabe Koki (fl.1804-1817) - Cranes

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PRICE : $6500  

ARTIST :
The painting is the work of Watanabe Koki who was most active during the Bunka era (1804-1817). He worked in Edo and was a disciple of Sumiyoshi Hiroyuki (1755 - 1811). The Sumiyoshi school specialized in the Yamato-e style and originally broke off from the Tosa school, being founded by Gukei (1631-1705) . They worked primarily for the Edo Shogunate from their founding in the 17th century, until the very late Edo period. After Gukei, the line of succession passed to his son, Hiroyasu (1666-1750), to Gukei's grandson, Hiromori (1705-77), then to a disciple of Hiromori, Hiroyuki (1755-1811), and finally to his two sons, Hironao (1781-1828) and Hirotsura (1793-1865), the last major Sumiyoshi school artist.

AGE :
Early 19th century

SIZE :
The image measures 20.5'' by 27.5'' (52 by 70 cm). The scroll measures 63'' by 34'' (160 by 86 cm).

DESCRIPTION :
An exceptional painting of Japanese cranes from the early 19th century by the Sumiyoshi school painter Watanabe Koki. A highly decorative composition featuring great attention to detail and striking colors. The ceaseless movement and flow of the work is made even more compelling by the large size of the horizontally formatted scroll.

TECHNIQUE :
Ink, color and gofun on silk.

CONDITION :
Painted on silk with ink, color and gofun the painting is in very good condition. The mounting, whilst being highly complimentary, is suffering from some insect damage at the top and light creasing at the bottom.