Title: A Compiled Painting and Calligraphy Album of Different Artists, Circa 1840-1900. 46 Beautiful Paintings (34 Full Page) in Various Styles, and 3 Pages of Calligraphy
Author: Attributed to Okawachi Nobukatsu; Names Such as Tamae, Shoken, Kado, Yochi, Amitian, Ningyuan, Gyokuho, Hogetsu
Condition: Very Good
An early 20th century, beautifully compiled album of paintings from different Japanese artists, comprising of examples from the Late Edo to Meiji Periods, circa 1840-1900.
There are 46 pages of beautifully produced paintings, including 34 full page examples, and three pages of beautifully inked calligraphy as well. The styles are varying, but among them are ink wash and watercolors.
The subjects are varying in nature, with some typical landscape and floral subjects, but there are historical and religious figures, such as the Seven Lucky Gods, various animals, and some smaller paintings in an ukiyo-e style.
Of the collaborating painters, at one distinct artist is recognized, and I can only recognize single names of others from their signatures or artist seals:
Okawachi Nobuko (1829-1888), the 7th and last feudal lord of the Mikawa Yoshida Domain. The 11th generation of the Okawachi Matsudaira family of Matsudaira Izunokami. He originally called himself Matsudaira Nobuko. His first name was Sennobu. He was commonly known as Risaburo. His other name was Matsumine. After serving as the temple and shrine magistrate, he became the Osaka Castle Lord in Bunkyu 2. In Meiji 1, he returned to his surname Okawachi. In 1869, he changed the domain name to Toyohashi Domain. Later he became a viscount. He loved painting and studied under Inada Fumikasa , an official painter for the Yoshida domain. He left behind several works under the artist name Matsumine. He died on November 27, Meiji 21, at the age of 60.
Of the remaining artists, I could only discern their last names based on the artist seals. The only other artist I seem to be able to identify is the Late Edo artist Hasegawa Gyokuhō (1822–1879).
The remaining names are that of Tamae, Shoken, Kado, Yochi, Amitian, Ningyuan, and Hogetsu.
The paintings have been finely bound in album format, with decorated, brocade covers.
One painting album in orihon format (24.6 x 22 cm), 30 leaves
This album is in very good shape, with minor wear and peeling to the corner covers. There is very little staining and foxing throughout, and two very small worm tracks not affecting illustrations.