Title: Chichi Kazan Utsushi Rakan Jo (Father Kazan’s Sha Arhat Book), Circa 1815-1841. Ten Magnificently Illuminated Paintings Depicting the Eighteen Arhats, A Rare Example on Indigo Dyed Paper. Attributed to one of Japan’s Great Literati Artists
Author: Attributed to Watanabe Kazan; Later Ownership Seals of Watanabe Shoka
Condition: Good
A Late Edo Period, early to mid 19th century painting album, with the inscribed title of Chichi Kazan Utsushi Rakan Jo, or Father Kazan’s Sha Arhat Book. As the title would entail, this album presents ten magnificently illuminated paintings and calligraphy depicting the eighteen Arhats and various assistants, all produced in golden ink on indigo dyed paper. The various techniques used here are stunning, with the golden illustrations perfectly complimented by the indigo backgrounds, and I am reminded of illustrations found in early manuscripts such as the Chusonji-kyo Sutras, as well as the various Goryeo Period Sutras.
The Eighteen Arhats, also known as the Eighteen Luohans, are depicted in Eastern Asian Buddhism as the original followers of Gautama Buddha who have followed the Noble Eightfold Path and attained the four stages of enlightenment. They have reached the state of Nirvana and are free of worldly cravings. The Arhats are a rather popular subject in Buddhist art as well, though this set is a particularly beautiful example.
These paintings have been attributed to the Late Edo Period artist Watanabe Kazan (1793-1841), each piece bearing his artist seal. To add to that, the album itself was compiled and the title inscribed by his son Watanabe Shoka (1835-1887), the front cover bearing his seals. There is also a printed note enclosed with various works attributed to Kazan including this one, indicating that it may have been part of an exhibition at one point in the past few decades.
Watanabe Kazan was born in Edo, with the given name of Josei, and early on in his life, he was a samurai of the Mikawa Tahara Domain. While working diligently as a chief retainer in the affairs of the domain, he familiarized himself with Dutch studies and formed the Shoshikai with Takano Choei and Koseki Sanei. He studied painting under Shirakawa Shibayama and Tani Buncho and showed talent in depicting the manners of the day while studying various painting techniques. He also absorbed Western painting techniques and showed deep insight and sharp brushwork, especially in portraits. He committed seppuku in 1841 at the age of 49 while under house arrest for his involvement in the Bansha no Goku Incident, to make amends for the shame he caused to his lord. He was regarded as one of the most talented literati artists of his era and is still renowned for his character-revealing portraits.
Watanabe Shoka was born the second son of Kazan, though tragically he would be without a father after Kazan committed seppuku in 1841, with Shoka being only 7. He later studied painting under Tsubaki Chinzan and Fukuda Hanko, classical history under Ohashi Nutsuan, and poetry under Sekine Chido, excelling in flower and bird painting. Asides from painting, he was also a samurai and later became chief retainer of the Tahara Domain in Mikawa (Aichi Prefecture). He passed away at the age of 53.
It should be noted that compositions of this sort, illuminated upon indigo dyed paper, appear to be extremely rare to see in Kazan’s portfolio, and I cannot find any similar examples by him or any later copyists in his style. Not at auction, nor recorded on Bunka.
The paintings have been finely bound in album format, with decorated, orange brocade covers. The album has been placed in a lovely lacquerware box for preservation, though there is a crack to the side.
One painting album in orihon format (22.2 x 20.2 cm), 10 leaves
This painting album is in good shape, the album having split in two at some point. There is some discoloration to the indigo paper, like some sort of soiling. The golden ink itself is hardly affected.