ARTIST : Ikka was born in 1870 in Niigata prefecture. He studied under Kawanabe Kyosai (1831-1889) and Suzuki Shonen (1849-1918). From 1905 Ikka spent five years in the United States. During that time he received a silver medal for a crow painting which he submitted to an art exhibition in Portland.
AGE : Early 20th century
SIZE : The scroll measures 79 by 14.5 inches (200 by 37 cm). The image measures 52 by 9 inches (131.5 by 23.5 cm).
DESCRIPTION : A zen influenced painting of a crow on top of a skull by the nihonga artist Nagaii Ikka. Rather than being empty sockets the skull's eyes are ablaze with life and a fierce determination to cling to it. The crow appears equally determined to extinguish that life and leaves little doubt of success. The message is that death is ultimately an integral part of life and should be embraced as such rather than being something to struggle against.
TECHNIQUE : Ink and a touch of color on paper
CONDITION : Creases have developed through the painting and a re-backing is recommended. Please inquire for further details. Apart from these creases the painting is in very good condition.
