Nanga
PinesSigned: Rôzan zô oite Honseki zanbô
Seals: Yubin shi in, Rôyô, Fu .. (tp), Hyakkei .. shosei (bt)
Technique: sumi on paper 146.7 x 47.4
Mounting: brown Chinese damask 212 x 64.5
Condition: creases, otherwise good
Inscription: 堅心到節 Steadfast
As a child Rôzan liked to paint and refused to follow his father’s profession of doctor. He went to Nagasaki where he studied with the Nanga painter/priest Sô Tetsuô (1791-1871). In 1867 together with some fellow bunjin they smuggled themselves into China. After arriving in Shanghai they studied with the leading painter Hu Gongshou (1823-1886). According to Tokugawa law it was forbidden to travel to China. He would be sentenced to death after his return, but waited until 1873 when the Meiji government allowed his return to Tokyo, where after his retun he was considered the leading local Nanga painter. His style is considered Chinese, utilizing light ink and slanted brushwork.
Reference:
Berry & Morioka ’08 pp. 16-25
Roberts p. 131
Araki p. 786
Berry ‘01 p. 156 # 12-64
Hempel ‘98 p. 168 # 30
Iizuka, vol. 21 - Meiji 1 # 137-140
Price: EUR 900 / USD 1,008
