Dragon in Dark Clouds

Name: Dragon in Dark Clouds
Brand: Natsume Shugaku
SKU: 6189
Price: 490.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Kakemono, unique work, 123 x 73 cm

Product number: 6189

Height 123 cm
Width 73 cm
Item Type Kakemono
Jikusaki Bone
Material Honshi Paper
Period of Creation Meiji (1868–1912)
Technique Hand-Painted
Unique Work Yes

Signature / Stamp:

Natsume Shugaku

€490.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 Days

Description

From deep black, densely smudged ink clouds, the head of a dragon emerges – its eyes wide open, its jaws slightly parted, its mane wildly swirling. The high-contrast sumi-e technique, with its deep blacks and softly fading gray gradations, creates an immediate, almost menacing presence of the mythical creature.

In the East Asian pictorial tradition, the dragon is regarded as the ruler over water, weather, and cosmic forces, while also being associated with wisdom and protection. The dynamic brushwork, which only hints at the animal's body and lets it disappear into the sea of clouds, underscores its supernatural, elusive nature.

The work bears the signature and seal of Natsume Shugaku and was created during the Meiji period. Painted on paper and fitted with a jikusaki made of bone, this hand-painted unique work unfolds a powerful, mysterious pictorial effect that lends any room an extraordinary presence.

Frequently asked

Does this work carry a seal or signature?

Yes, this piece carries the signature or seal of Natsume Shugaku

When was the work created?

Based on the previous owners' information and the condition of the object we place it broadly in the Meiji (1868–1912) 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?.