ARTIST : It is the work of So Shiko (1781-1850), the grandson of So Shiseki. The signature reads Shiko Sorin, the seal Sekkei. Shiko is the son of the Nagasaki painter So Shizan (1733-1805) who specialized in bird and flower paintings. Shizan is the son of So Shiseki (1712-1786) who learnt the Nagasaki style of painting from Kumashiro Yuhi and So Shigan. Shiseki then took the style back to Edo and gained a great reputation as a painter. Shiba Kokan and Sakai Hoitsu were amongst his pupils. His bird and flower paintings are in the style of Shen Nanpin who lived in Nagasaki for a number of years around 1730 and had an enormous influence on Japanese painting, bringing with him the last remains of pure late Ming period bird and flower painting to Japan. See Araki p.1829 and Roberts p.146.
AGE : 19th century
SIZE : The scroll measures 70'' by 18'' (177 by 46.5 cm). The image measures 38'' by 14'' (97 by 36 cm).
DESCRIPTION : Three herons or egrets colored in brilliant white gofun stand in peaceful repose on the gnarled trunk of a willow tree. The full moon rises in the background transfixing the attentions of the upper bird. The seasonal summer reference of the willow is echoed in the original silk brocade mounting, the upper and lower sections of which are emblazoned with butterfly and iris motifs.
TECHNIQUE : ink color and gofun on silk
CONDITION : Painted on silk with ink, color and gofun the work is in reasonably good, original condition. Very light insect marks are present though there is no foxing. There are a series of tiny wormholes through painting though they are invisible unless making a very close inspection. The mounting is a little dirty though perfectly presentable. Re-mounting using the existing brocade is an option.
