This visually arresting pair of screens–presented at Thomsen Gallery in their exhibition Japanese Modern Masterpieces 1910-1950–melds two strands in the subject matter of Japanese Nihonga painting of the early 20th century which encompasses a focus on plants---both traditional Japanese species and recent imports---and pictures of beautiful women.
Kahata Tosen (1897–1985), Collie and Myna Bird (In a Peaceful Garden, The First Signs of Autumn), 1926, Japan. Two-panel folding screen; ink, mineral colors and shell powder on silk. Size 77 x 81¼ in. (195.5 x 206.5 cm).
Yasuhara Shōsō (b. 1884), Offering Stand with Distant Hills and Pine Saplings, 1930s, Japan. Maki-e gold lacquer on wood; silver rim. Size 7 x 12 x 12 in. (18 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm).
Arii Shōun (b. 1885), An Afternoon Nap , 1920s, Japan. Pair of two-panel folding screens; ink, mineral pigments, shell powder and gold on paper. Size each screen 71½ x 71½ in. (181.5 x 181.5 cm).
Mitamura Jiho (1886-1979), Octagonal Jewel Box with Peach Blossom and Butterflies, 1920s, Japan. Maki-e red and gold lacquer with shell inlays on a kanshitsu dry-lacquer body. Size 4¼ x 6 x 6 in. (10.7 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm).
Tsuji Kakō (1870-1931), Cranes Calling On a Sunlit Shore, 1910s-1920s, Japan. Hanging scroll; ink, mineral pigments, and gofun (calcified crushed shell) on silk. Overall size 78¾ x 19½ in. (200 x 50 cm).
Yoshida Tōkoku (1883-1962), Weasel in Bamboo Thicket at Daybreak, 1930s, Japan. Six-panel folding screen; mineral pigments, shell powder, ink, and gold leaf on paper. Size 76½ x 126¾ in. (171.5 x 322 cm).
Yoshiyuki (ac. Taisho-Showa eras), Girl with Flowering Plum Branches, 1920s, Japan. Hanging scroll; ink and mineral pigments and gold wash on silk. Overall size 93¼ x 37 in. (237 x 94 cm).
Kido Shunpo (1899-1984), Chicken under Peach Tree, 1920s, Japan. Two-panel folding screen; mineral pigments on silk. Size each screen 66½ x 67 in. (169 x 170 cm).
Ryōshin (ac. Taisho-Showa eras), Cat among Jars, ca 1930, Japan. Hanging scroll; ink and mineral pigments on silk. Overall size 88 x 34¾ in. (223.5 x 88.5 cm).
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