Title: A Monumental Emakimono Handscroll of Paintings and Calligraphy, Circa 1800-1890. A Near 13 Meter Scroll of Nanga Paintings and Beautiful Calligraphy by Confucian Scholars and Southern School Artists
Author: Attributed to Hirose Tanso; Hoashi Kyo'u; Hirano Gogaku; Tsunoda Kyuka; Bajo Kiyoe; Ozone Kendou; Takahashi Kyoson; And Others
Condition: Very Good
A rather massive, and impressive Late Edo to Early Meiji period emakimono handscroll of paintings and calligraphy, by a rather impressive series of painters and calligraphers, including noted literati painters and Confucian Scholars.
There are about 15 landscape and nature paintings, all of excellent quality and varying size, with several heavily detailed examples showing beautiful mountainscapes in full length. Complimenting that are 17 lovely examples of collected calligraphy, all showing different styles and levels of brushstrokes and skill.
As followed, is a small shortlist of identified artists.
Hirose Tanso (1782-1856) was a Confucian scholar of the late Edo Period, being the older brother of Hirose Kyokuso and studied under Kamei Nanmei and his son Shoyo. He founded a private school, Kan'i-en, in his hometown of Hita, Bungo (Oita Prefecture), where he nurtured many talented people with his unique educational methods. His students included Omura Masujiro and Takano Choei. He was also well-known as a Chinese poet. He passed away at the age of 75.
Hoashi Kyo'u (1810-1884) was a Southern painter from the late Edo period and the Meiji Period, his given name being En. He studied painting under Tanomura Chikuden, and poetry and prose under Hoashi Banri and Hirose Tanso. He later moved to Tokyo and received painting lessons from Uragami Shunkin and had connections with Rai Sanyo and Shinozaki Shochiku. He established his own unique style of painting that closely reflected the Takeda tradition and excelled in landscape painting. He passed away at the age of 75.
Hirano Gogaku (1811-1893) was a monk and painter from the late Edo period to the Meiji Period, initially studying poetry and prose under Hirose Tanso, and later, after being influenced by Tanomura Chikuden, moving to literati paintings. On top of being an accomplished artist as well as calligrapher, he also became head priest of Sennenji Temple of the Shinshu Otani school in Bungo. He passed away at the age of 83.
Kyuka Tsunoda (1784-1856) was a Confucian scholar of the late Edo period, being the adopted son of Tsunoda Tosui, and later becoming a samurai of the Oka domain in Bungo (Oita Prefecture). He studied under Waki Ranshitsu and Nakai Chikuzan in Osaka, and upon returning to the domain, he served as a lecturer at the domain school, Yugakukan, before becoming a professor. He passed away at the age of 72. His works include "Kinsei Sogo" and "Kinsei Jinkyoroku."
Umajo Kiyoe (?-1842) was a painter from the late Edo period, born in Yuasa, Arita County, and his given name being Batoku, Tokugoro. He studied under Noro Kaiseki and studied painting with Hirabayashi Muho and Hamaguchi Kanpo, among others. His works include "Travels in Hitachi."
Kendo Ozone (1827-1885) was a seal engraver from the late Edo and Meiji Periods, his given name being Toyoaki. He studied calligraphy, painting, and clerical script under Mizuno Meikawa, Tetsuo Somon, and Zeni Shotora. In addition to being an active literary figure, Kendou was also a highly successful businessman. With the support of Matsudaira Shungaku, he worked with his father on reclamation projects around Naminohira Coast, developing the port and contributing to the development of trade. He also had notable connections with Sakamoto Ryoma and Katsu Kaishu. He passed away at the age of 58.
Takahashi Kyoson (1805-1868) was a painter born in Mino, who studied under Nakabayashi Chikuho and excelled in landscape painting. He also studied calligraphy under Rai Sanyo and excelled in poetry. He passed away at the age of 65.
There are at least three additional contributors I cannot recognize, with names of Koishi, Yuhi, and Sessen.
The paintings have been laid down and bound in a scroll for preservation, with a beautiful brocade decorated cover of gold and clouds, and there are jikusaki (knobs) made of lacquered wood. There is a wooden box to accompany it, preserving the scroll.
One brocade bound emakimono (picture scroll) and calligraphy on fine paper, roughly 29 x 1273 cm. The knobs are not included as part of the measurement.
This handscroll is in very good shape, with minimal rubbing and wear to the brocade fabric. There are a few creases to some of the calligraphy and paintings, and a small marginal tear.