Calligraphy "The Power of the Emperor Illuminates the World"

Name: Calligraphy "The Power of the Emperor Illuminates the World"
SKU: 4033
Price: 260.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Kakemono, unique work, with box, 169 x 52 cm

Product number: 4033

Height 169 cm
Width 52 cm
Item Type Kakemono
Jikusaki Wood
Material Honshi Paper
Period of Creation Shôwa (1926–1989)
Technique Hand-Painted
Unique Work Yes
Wooden Box Yes

€260.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 Days

Description

Eight powerfully rendered characters fill this kakemono, proclaiming in elevated, solemn language: 'The power of the Emperor illuminates the whole world, righteousness pervades the universe'. Such programmatic sayings were part of the standard repertoire of official and semi-official calligraphies in Japan during the first half of the 20th century.

The characters are executed in a clear, slightly cursive hand, powerful in stroke and set with a confident hand. An accompanying marginal note gives the place and date of the writing and refers to a specific historical event of the Shôwa era, which makes the work of interest not only for its calligraphic quality but also as a document of its time.

For collectors of historical Japanese calligraphy or those interested in the history of the first half of the 20th century, this kakemono represents an illuminating testimony to its time of creation, one that is convincing both as an art of writing and as a document.

Frequently asked

Does this piece come with a wooden box (Tomobako)?

Yes, this work is delivered with a wooden box.

When was the work created?

Based on the previous owners' information and the condition of the object we place it broadly in the Shôwa (1926–1989) period, but cannot give a precise date.

Is this genuine craftsmanship?

Yes, this piece is a genuine handcrafted original that exists only once.

Why does the date of creation sometimes not match the artist's dates

Because the two pieces of information speak about different things: the period designation describes the object – support, colors, condition – while the signature reflects which name appears on the painting. In most cases there is no attempt at deception behind this, but rather Japanese painting training: copying from workshop models was the curriculum for centuries, an utsushi is regarded as a bow to the teacher, workshops signed with the master's name, and artist names were passed down within a school. Such a hanging scroll is therefore not a forgery, but a hand-painted one-of-a-kind that continues the formal language of its school – just not the work of the famous name, and priced accordingly. We explain this in detail in the guide Why does a kakemono often bear the signature of an artist long deceased?.