Samurai on Brown Horse Above the Mountains
Sold – no longer available
This piece was handmade by Seikei and was a one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.
You might like these pieces
Details about the sold piece
- Height 190 cm
- Width 60 cm
- Item Type Kakemono
- Jikusaki Wood
- Material Honshi Silk
- Period of Creation Shôwa (1926–1989)
- Technique Hand-Painted
- Unique Work Yes
- Wooden Box Yes
No longer available
Description
Full of movement, a fully armored samurai gallops on his horse through a lightly indicated mountain landscape on this kakemono. Splendidly patterned lacquered leather, an elaborately woven quiver with arrows, and a bow in riding position attest to the care with which the armor was rendered down to the last detail, while the horse's flowing mane and flared nostrils lend the image dynamism.
Such depictions of warriors were popular motifs in Japan, celebrating courage, honor, and the ideals of Bushidô, and often meant to recall historical or legendary military commanders. The strong, clear colors of red, blue, and gold stand out effectively against the restrained gold tone of the background.
The painting is executed on silk, the jikusaki is made of wood, and the piece dates from the Shôwa period. It comes in a wooden box (tomobako) signed by the artist, which further documents its provenance and represents a nice added value for collectors of historical Japanese painting.