Nagasawa ROSETSU ( 1754-1799 )
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An original painting showing a white mouse and a spiny lobster on a tray. Rosetsu is considered one of the most important artists of the late Edo period but little is known of his short life ( he died at forty-five ) apart from the fact that he studied, and was one of the top disciples, of Maruyama Okyo. He is labelled an “eccentric” painter as he defies easy classification. His brushwork is a tour de force and he is known for his expressive depictions of animals. The Chinese-style inscription above is by Rosetsu’s friend Minagawa Kien who was a painter and scholar of Confucianism. It implies that the lobster and mouse are both signs of good fortune. Ink and light colour on paper. Image size 44.75 x 11.25 in; 113.75 x 28.5 cms.
Signed Rosetsu with seal Gyo. Painted 1790s. Inscription signed and sealed Kyosai. Slight foxing, otherwise in very good condition. One of the most copied painters. See Kono, Exhibition of Nagasawa Rosetsu, Chiba City Art Museum, 2000, pl. 42 for identical seals. Tsuji Nobu, Nagasawa Rosetsu: the Fanciful Painter, Miho Museum, 2011, pls. 19, 58-60, 67,87, 90, 91, 93 and 94.
Status: Available
Nagasawa ROSETSU (1754-1799)
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An original fan painting, sumi on treated paper, 17 x 6.25 in; 43 x 16 cms. Shows two needlefish (family Belonidae).Rosetsu is considered one of the most important artists of the late Edo period but little is known of his short life – he died at forty-five, apart from the fact that he studied and was one of the top disciples of Maruyama Okyo. He is labelled an “eccentric” painter as he defies easy classification. His brushwork is a tour de force and he is known for his expressive depictions of animals. Signed Rosetsu with his Gyo (fish) seal. Framed and glazed with the fan mounted onto Japanese paper. Good condition, apart from the obvious fan folds.
Status: Available
Nagasawa ROSETSU (1754-1799)
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An original painting, 47.25 x 16 in; 120 x 40.5 cms. Sumi and touches of very light colour on paper. Shows cranes flying in a mountainous landscape. Rosetsu is considered one of the most important artists of the late Edo period but little is known of his short life – he died at forty-five – apart from the fact that he studied and was one of the top disciples of Maruyama Okyo. He is labelled an “eccentric” painter as he defies easy classification. His brushwork is a tour de force and he is known for his expressive depictions of animals. Signed Rosetsu sha with large Gyo seal with the top right corner broken indicating being painted after May 1792-94. In good condition.
Status: Sold
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Nagasawa ROSETSU (1754-1799)
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An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, image size 17.5 x 14.25 in; 44.5 x 36 cms. Little is known of Rosetsu’s life: He was a lay student of Zen and a minor samurai. He became a pupil of Maruyama Okyo – the pre-eminent painter in Kyoto – at the age of 25. It is now generally agreed that he surpassed his teacher after some years. There are anecdotes – not verified – regarding his death, his break-up with Okyo and his drinking. Initially strongly influenced by Okyo, but then free of his style, he became highly skilled not only at more formal, finished paintings, but also at quick, spontaneous renditions. Often eccentric and not easily categorized, he was extensively faked in the Meiji period. Shows a reclining female cat who has obviously had a number of litters and a playful kitten.
A background of cherry blossom. The rendition of the furry tail and the character imbued in the face is impressive. Signed Rosetsu in sosho script of his late period (c 1795-1799) with seals Nagasawa (upper) and Gyo ‘Fish’ (lower). Unmounted and slightly cut into lower seal. Framed and glazed.
Status: Sold