Paintings: Pre 1950

 1943 - 'Pure'

Click on the picture for detailed images

PRICE : $700  

ARTIST :
The painting is complete with its original dated and titled storage box. The seals, both on the box and the painting, read Ren. The signature on the box reads Renrei. No further information has been found.

AGE :
Dated October 1943

SIZE :
The image measures 12.5 inches high and 20.5 inches across. The scroll measures 41.5 inches high and 26 inches across.

DESCRIPTION :
Dating to the 18th year of the Showa era, 1943, this work bears the title 'Junko', which literally means 'not mixed with anything', or 'pure'. Painted solely with ink on paper the work is characterized by a conspicuous lack of outlines and edges. Rather the ink has been puddled, blown and caressed to form the fish. The gentle movement of the fugu or pufferfish is comforting and cyclical and in direct contrast to the starkness of the paper background.

TECHNIQUE :
Ink on paper

CONDITION :
The painting is in very good condition. The paper is clean, white and free of marks. The original mounting has taken on some creases over the years and has become a little stiff. Even so it presents the painting wonderfully and is in no need of restoration. Interestingly the rollers are covered with sharkskin.