ARTIST : The seals read Eishin and Kano no in, whilst the signature on the moon painting reads Yamaya Kano Eishin. Kano Eishin's real name was Doi Eishin and he used the art name Yamaya. He was born in Osaka in 1867 and taught by Kano Eisho, the eleventh generational head of the Kyo-Kano School.
AGE : Meiji period, circa 1900
SIZE : Each scroll measures 81 by 22 inches. Each image measures 48 by 16.5 inches.
DESCRIPTION : A pair of sun and moon Kyo-Kano School paintings dating to the turn of the century. Spectacular use of ink and gold washes have created a heightened sense of drama and unpredictability surrounding the rising moon whilst the crimson sun burns steadily through the morning haze. The sun represents the seasons of spring and summer, the moon autumn and winter. Also a symbol of the male principal of Yang, the sun is traditionally balanced by the moon which represents the female principal of Ying.
TECHNIQUE : Ink, gold and pigment on silk
CONDITION : The paintings are in good condition, with the moon exhibiting light foxing throughout. They were remounted around the middle of the 20th century and present very well. The scrolls are finished with ivory rollers and are contained within their original signed, sealed and titled storage box.
