ARTIST : Ikegami Shuho (1874-1944) was the son of the Shijo School painter Ikegami Shuka. After studying with his father he moved to Tokyo in 1889 and became a disciple of Araki Kanpo (1831-1915). He was a highly decorated artist, winning numerous prizes at national exhibitions throughout his career. In 1915, following the death of Kanpo, Shuho established and led the Denshindo painting school. He went on to become a judge of the Teiten organization. A major artist in the bird and flower tradition there have been three posthumous exhibits of his works and two published collections that focus on his oevre.
AGE : early 20th century
SIZE : The image measures 50'' by 12.5'' (127 by 32 cm). The scroll measures 82.5'' by 18'' (210 by 45 cm).
DESCRIPTION : A shirasagi or white heron depicted with great naturalism against a backdrop of shimmering reeds. Gofun, a gesso-like substance made from ground shell and animal glue, has been used to detail the hero, whilst malachite brings the reeds to life.
TECHNIQUE : Ink, gofun, color and pigment on silk
CONDITION : Original brocade patterned with abstract clouds frames the painting. Ivory rollers. There is one area of noticeable discoloration at the top left and one band of lighter discoloration running horizontally through the heron.
