Watanabe NANGAKU (1767-1813)
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A large original painting, full colour on silk, image size 46 x 21.75 in; 116.8 x 55.2 cms. This impressive painting shows two courtesans of the Shimbara (red-light) district of Kyoto and their attendants. Nangaku was one of Maruyama Okyo’s best pupils showing great dexterity in impromptu sketches (sekijo) as well as producing paintings of bijin which show ukiyo-e influences. He was responsible for the introduction of the Maruyama style to Edo where he lived for approximately three years late in his career before moving back to Kyoto where he died. He was included in the first exhibition in Edo of contemporary calligraphies and paintings organised by Sawara Kikuu in 1804. A comparable painting is in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australia, acc. no. 121.1980. (See Jack Hillier, The uninhibited brush, Hugh M. Moss, 1974, pp. 93-99.) In very good condition with double box. Signed Nangaku with seals Genzan and Iseki.
Status: Sold
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Kawamura BUMPO (1779-1821) and Watanabe NANGAKU (1763-1813)
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One volume complete Kaido kyoka awase, “Comparison of Kyoka Poems on the Highway.” Three pages preface signed Bumpo and thirty-six double-page illustrations alternating by Nangaku and Bumpo; last page colophon dated Bunka 8 (1811) with artists Nangaku Tseki and Bumpo Basei. Publishers Kawachiya Kihei, Osaka, and Yoshidaya Shimbei, Kyoto. Original embossed yellow covers with original title slip. Originally published in two volumes with the poems in volume one and almost immediately reissued as a one volume work, as here. Numerous collectors’ seals: Tanido Kyohitsu, Seiyo Kosetsu, and Edmond de Goncourt with his brocade binding and imitation wood slipcase. A beautiful example of this fine Shijo book in very good condition.
Status: Sold
