Paintings: Pre 1900

 Yamada Koun (1878-1956) - Summer and fall flowers

Click on the picture for detailed images

PRICE : $2800  

ARTIST :
The seal reads Koun. Yamada Koun (1878-1956). A Nihonga painter born in Kyoto. Studied Shijo school style with Kikuchi Hobun. Won third prize at the fifth Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai, as well as prizes at various Bunten exhibitions. His work is held at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. See Roberts p.195.

AGE :
first half of the 20th century

SIZE :
The image measures 33'' by 43'' (84 by 110 cm). The scroll measures 80'' by 45'' (202 by 113 cm).

DESCRIPTION :
A profusion of summer and fall flowers in bloom indicating the change of seasons. Bush clover, the icon of autumn, overreaches the scene which is filled with lily, hibiscus, Japanese bellflower, chrysanthemum and a myriad of other flowering plants. At the far left of the composition a hollyhock is in bloom. The painting appears to be the final draft of an exhibition piece or possibly the final draft of a commissioned work. Painted with ink and color on paper, the paper being made from numerous smaller and slightly irregular pieces which is what you would expect to find with a draft. The painting itself also has a slight sense of being unfinished. The mounting is quite recent, perhaps ten or twenty years ago. That may well have been the first time the piece was mounted for display.

TECHNIQUE :
ink and color on paper

CONDITION :
The painting is in good condition. The edges of the smaller paper squares are visible as is the difference in tone between the right side of the paper and the far left strip; likely the fault of the mounter using too much glue.