A Hanging Scroll by Literati Painter Tanomura Chikuden (1777 - 1835)
- Artist:
- Literati Painter Tanomura Chikuden (1777 - 1835)
- Era:
- Mid Edo
- Price:
- SOLD
- Inquire:
- Contact gallery
- Similar artwork:
- Looking for something similar?
A beautiful composition from over 200 years ago, the poem on this lovely hanging scroll can be translated to:
Loving the fragrance of orchids deep in the mountain recesses -- My robe and sleeves are pure, untouched by worldly dust -- With a colorful brush, I leave behind traces of their fragrance. -- Painted by Chikuden, in the autumn of the Year of the Earth Rat (1828).
Tanomura Chikuden was one of Japan’s most celebrated Nanga (南画, “Southern painting”) and Bunjinga (文人画, “literati painting”) artists of the late Edo period — a style inspired by Chinese scholar-painters who valued poetic and spiritual expression over realism. He was highly regarded, especially for his depictions of landscapes, bamboo, plum blossoms, and orchids (as seen here). During his lifetime he wrote eloquently on painting theory, blending Chinese ideals with distinctly Japanese wabi-sabi sensibilities. As part of this world view, he emphasised that proper brushwork was a reflection of spiritual depth (気韻生動, qi yun sheng dong) and the “life energy” or internal rhythm of a scene. He associated with a number of other literati artists of his time including well-known painters such as Urakami Gyokudō, Okada Beisanjin, Rai San’yō, and Aoki Mokubei.
In fine antique condition, this piece is 16.2 inches wide (41cm) and 47.2 inches tall (120cm). It comes with a wood box with calligraphy indicating the title of this lovely and beautifully aged composition is “Depiction of Orchids.” In addition there is a detailed storeroom tag with details of the artist and artwork.
*** International shipping and insurance is included in the price.
Contact the gallery
