Onishi CHINNEN (1792-1851)

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A highly talented artist, he is considered – with Nanrei – to be the finest exponent of the Maruyama-Shijo style in Edo at this time. Of samurai birth, he initially studied under Nangaku and is famous for the highly regarded books: Azuma no teburi, 1829 and Sonan gafu, 1834 ( offered elsewhere on this site ). Shows a carp climbing a waterfall. A leaping carp is one of the commonest subjects for artists of various schools so as to become almost hackneyed. It takes an individual artist to breath life into the subject. Sumi and very light colour on silk. Image size 39.5 x 19 in; 99.5 x 35.5 cms. Blue-grey damask and beige silk mounting; cream gold damask ichimonji with bone jiku. New box. Light toning otherwise very good condition with splashed gofun around the head of the fish. Signed Chinnen with seal Unka.

Status: Sold