Title: Utsumi Kichidō Kyūzō ko Hanakusa-zu Jū Ni Zu (Twelve Old Flowers and Plants, Formerly Owned by Utsumi Yoshido), Circa 1800-1900. A Painting Album of Twelve Ink Wash Paintings of Fauna and Flora, in the Style of Early Qing Artists
Author: Anonymous Southern School Artist; Owned by Utsumi Yoshido
Condition: Very Good
A Late Edo to Meiji Period, 19th century painting album, entitled Utsumi Kichidō Kyūzō ko Hanakusa-zu Jū Ni Zu, or Twelve Old Flowers and Plants, Formerly Owned by Utsumi Yoshido. As the title entails, the work is a beautiful painting album of ink wash paintings and calligraphy, produced by an unknown artist of the Chinese Southern School of painting, and very much in the style of Early Qing Period artists. The album was once owned by the Southern School artist Utsumi Yoshido (1850-1923), with his red collector seal at the beginning. Each painting is meticulously produced, even with mock artist seal mocks.
Of Yoshido, he was a Southern School painter from Tsuruga, born in 1850 as the son of Utsumi Motoki, with his given name of Fuku. He left Tsuruga at a young age to study Chinese classics under the Omi physician Kosuge Toho, and studied painting under his father's disciple, Shiokawa Bunrin of the Shijo School. From 1877, he traveled to China for approximately six years, relying on the Shanghai Betsuin temple of Higashi Honganji Temple, where he interacted with local literati artists. After returning to Japan, he worked as a Southern Painter, based in Kyoto. In 1895, he worked with Kono Bairei and others on the creation of screen paintings for the Goei-do Hall of Higashi Honganji Temple, later cooperating with various organizations, including the Kyoto Young Painters' Study Group and the Japan Nanga Association, and also served as an instructor at the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting. From 1897, to 1913, he was recognized for several works he produced, eventually passing away in 1923.
One painting album in orihon format (20.3 x 27.4 cm), 14 leaves
This album is in very good shape, with minimal wear and rubbing to the covers. There are old margin repairs to the first four leaves, not impacting the paintings, and some repairs to the inner margins as well. There are a few creases, and minor soiling and spotting throughout.