Old Zen Monk Under Cherry Blossoms

Name: Old Zen Monk Under Cherry Blossoms
SKU: 5092
Price: 980.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Kakemono, unique work, 115 x 40 cm

Product number: 5092

Height 115 cm
Width 40 cm
Item Type Kakemono
Jikusaki Ceramics
Material Honshi Paper
Period of Creation Meiji (1868–1912)
Technique Hand-Painted
Unique Work Yes

€980.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 Days

Description

An old Zen monk sits absorbed in thought beneath a blossoming cherry branch – with just a few, humorously placed lines, his round face and relaxed, self-contained expression are captured.

The picture is painted on paper, with a mounting of paper and hand-painted jikusaki of ceramics, and is dated to the mid to late Meiji period. The contrast between the bold, dark ink drawing of the monk and the delicate pink and yellow tones of the cherry blossoms lends the picture a warm, almost knowing charm characteristic of Zen painting.

Such depictions of old monks beneath blossoming trees combine the transience of cherry blossoms with the serene wisdom of Zen and are wonderfully suited as spring decoration for the tokonoma.

Frequently asked

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?.