Paintings: Pre 1800

 Att. Gengei (1748-1821) - Zenga Kanzan & Jittoku

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PRICE : $1950  

ARTIST :
Attributed to Kogan Gengei (1748-1821). We have strong reasons to believe that the work is by his hand, although have been unable to find published versions of these stamps. Age, brushwork and overall style are unmistakable. Gengei was most fond of painting Kanzan & Jittoku, his talents at times being compared to the famed zenga artist Sengai Gibon (1750-1837). Gengei was known to have received training from Hakuin, and in 1789 became the 21st abbot of Kogen-ji temple in Tamba, Kyoto.

AGE :
Edo period, circa 1800

SIZE :
Each painting measures 67 by 16 inches

DESCRIPTION :
Executed solely in ink the enlightened Zen figures of Kanzan & Jittoku have been captured with quick, uninhibited brushstrokes, coupled with a warm sense of humor. Immediately recognizable by their attributes, a broom and a blank scroll, Kanzan & Jittoku symbolize creative living and a lack of concern with social conventions. Brilliantly understated, the work alludes to the moon although makes no mention of it beyond Kanzan’s raised hand, and Jittoku’s finger pointing upward in acknowledgment. The eccentrics conversing without speaking, understanding without seeing.

TECHNIQUE :
Ink on paper

CONDITION :
Painted on paper, the works are in reasonable condition. The left work depicting Kanzan is in fine condition, whilst the right work has suffered some paper loss and minor staining. Both paintings do show some creasing.