Old Calligrapher
Kakemono, unique work, 149 x 42 cm
Product number:
3474
- Height 149 cm
- Width 42 cm
- Item Type Kakemono
- Jikusaki Wood
- Material Honshi Paper
- Period of Creation Shôwa (1926–1989)
- Technique Hand-Painted
- Unique Work Yes
€140.00
Available, delivery time: 1-3 Days
Description
Wearing a cap on his head and with a thoughtful gaze turned slightly to the side, an old man kneels in this kakemono, revealing himself to be a calligrapher – at his feet lie an inkstone, brush, and writing case at the ready. The spare drapery folds, held in muted gray and blue tones, lend the figure a calm, dignified presence.
The face is carefully rendered with fine lines for the beard and wrinkles, giving the calligrapher, despite the reduced color palette, an individual, almost portrait-like character. The accompanying writing utensils at the edge of the image clearly anchor the figure in his role as scholar and master of the brush.
Depictions of scholars and calligraphers preparing for or practicing their art pay tribute to the high social standing of the art of writing in East Asia. The mounting shows some age-related damage in the upper section. For collectors of literati-inspired Japanese figure painting, this kakemono is an evocative addition.
Frequently asked
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?.
