Hermit with Small Dragon
Kakemono, unique work, 185 x 68 cm
Product number:
5607
- Height 185 cm
- Width 68 cm
- Item Type Kakemono
- Jikusaki Sculpture
- Material Honshi Paper
- Period of Creation Shôwa (1926–1989)
- Technique Hand-Painted
- Unique Work Yes
Signature / Stamp:
Tanaka Koga
€170.00
Available, delivery time: 1-3 Days
Description
A bearded hermit with wild hair sits on a rock while a small dragon-like creature winds its way up his shoulder – a scene reminiscent of the legends of the Taoist and Buddhist Rakan tradition.
The hanging scroll bears the signature and seal of Tanaka Koga. The folds of the coarse robe and the striking facial expression of the old man are rendered with strong, confident lines, while the small mythical creature is characterized with a finer brushstroke.
Such Rakan depictions frequently show companions from the animal or mythical world that are associated with the hermit and symbolize his special spiritual powers.
The immediate, almost humorous familiarity between man and mythical creature makes this sheet a vivid example of classical figure painting.
Frequently asked
Yes, this piece carries the signature or seal of Tanaka Koga
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.
Yes, this piece is a genuine handcrafted original that exists only once.
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?.
