ARTIST : The original version of this painting was painted by Kano Sanraku (1559-1635) and resides in Shinso Gokuraku-ji temple in Kyoto Prefecture. The anonymous artist who painted this copy at a later date during the Edo period would have had access to the temple's paintings. The artist has remained faithful to the original, though they are obviously not by the same hand. The artist even went so far as to paint it in the same imposing size. The original measures 101.5 by 130.5cm. This version measures 91.5 by 130cm. It is almost certain that this version has had the bottom 10cm cut off - likely during its last remounting, and likely because of poor condition.
AGE : Edo era
SIZE : The painting measures 51.5 inches across and 36 inches high. The scroll measures 56 inches across and 86.5 inches high.
DESCRIPTION : The huge image is filled with Kanzan & Jittoku's broad shoulders and equally broad grins. Their faces are lit up with a moment of great realization, or perhaps the pleasure of revisiting an older discovery. Kanzan is rolling up the handscroll with the backside facing us, its secrets concealed within. All the same, there is nothing actually written on his famed scroll.
TECHNIQUE : Ink on paper
CONDITION : The painting is in reasonable condition. Three wormholes run down the left side, and creasing is present in particular in the lower half. Noticeable surface insect damage is present. Dirty marks appear to the upper right of the image. The mounting itself is in no more than fair condition, although the scroll still hangs well. Insect holes are visible, the upper tassels have been lost and there is a simply repaired tear at the top right corner.
