Lot description
KATSUKAWA SHUNSHO (1726-1793): BIJIN AND CHILDREN AT NEW YEAR By Katsukawa Shunsho (1726-1793), signed Kyokurosei Katsu Shunsho ga, and with a circular seal Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Ink, watercolors, gouache, gold paint and gofun (calcified crushed shell) on silk. Mounted as a hanging scroll within a silk brocade frame, with red lacquer jikusaki (roller ends). Depicting, in traditional Nikuhitsu Ukiyo-e painting style, a bijin (beauty) carrying an infant at her shoulder, while gazing down at another child who holds up a hagoita (paddle for playing the New Year hanetsuki game), a New Year kadomatsu with bamboo at the lower right. Inscriptions: Signed to the lower right, 旭朗井勝春章画‘Kyokurosei Katsu Shunsho ga’ [Painted by Katsu (Katsukawa) Shunsho, art name (go) Kyokurosei] and with a circular seal SIZE (image) 99 x 30 cm, SIZE (incl. mounting) 193 x 49.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only minor wear and slight creasing. Colors are very well preserved. With a tomobako storage box, bearing an old, inscribed paper label, reading: 春章美人画 Shunsho bijinga [A painting of beauty by Shunsho]. Shunsho Katsukawa (1726-1793) was a Japanese artist and printmaker, known for his pioneering contributions to the ukiyo-e style and as the founder of the Katsukawa school. Shunsho's work, especially his yakusha-e prints, introduced a new level of realism and detail to the genre. Beyond his actor prints, his bijin-ga paintings are considered by many to be masterpieces. As a student of Miyagawa Shunsui, Shunsho honed his skills and eventually broke away to establish his own distinctive style. His influence extended beyond his own work, as he mentored other artists such as Shuncho, Shun'ei, and Hokusai. Shunsho's contributions to ukiyo-e were multifaceted. He experimented with various print formats, including hoso-e, triptych, pentaptych, and introduced innovative techniques like large portrait-style heads and detailed backstage scenes. His bijin-ga paintings showcased his ability to capture the beauty of women and the intricacies of their surroundings. The Idemitsu Museum (Tokyo) held a special exhibition, in 2016, introducing Nikuhitsu Ukiyoe paintings of Katsuskawa Shunsho to commemorate the 290th year since the birth of the artist. Museum comparison: For a related scroll painting of a beauty standing, by Katsukawa Shunsho, see the collection of the British Museum, registration number 1928,0628,0.2. Auction comparison: Compare a related scroll painting of a beauty with fan, by Katsukawa Shunsho, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 17 March 2009, New York, lot 35 (sold for USD 32,500).