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Subject:Japanese Scroll Painting - Mountain Landscape
Posted By: Alexander May Mon, Jun 29, 2020 IP: 61.9.109.83

Hello,

I have this scroll box with what seems to be the title of the work and label. May I get help on what it says?

Thank you!







Subject:Re: Japanese Scroll Painting - Mountain Landscape
Posted By: I.Nagy Tue, Jun 30, 2020

Inscription on box,
幽溪通仙 - Yukei Tsusen - Quiet valley and *Tsusen
Inscription on label,
曼舟先生 - Manshu sensei - Master Manshu
張良   - Hari yoshi - Good style
Z二十圓売 - 20 Yen selling
赤玉なり - Red bead marked (Red inscription)
Left top marking in a circle、
三越   - Mitsukoshi - name of famous department store

* An old story about a Zen monk called Tsusen who reaching the age of 61 built a retreat in Kyōto's
Higashiyama (Eastern Mountain) district and entertained guests with tea and conversation that fused elements of Zen.

Master Manshu's full name is
Kawamura Manshu 川村曼舟 1880-1942
Kyōto born painter, real name was Manzō. Studied painting under Yamamoto Shunkyo. Fron 1910 served as professor at the Kyōto City Arts and Crafts School. From 1931 was member of Imperial Art Academy.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Japanese Scroll Painting - Mountain Landscape
Posted By: Alexander May Tue, Jun 30, 2020

Thanks a lot Nagy! Now I know the title and story behind this painting.

Just wondering, is it common for the works of these master painters to be sold at a Department Store like Mitsukoshi?

Thanks!

Subject:Re: Japanese Scroll Painting - Mountain Landscape
Posted By: I.Nagy Wed, Jul 01, 2020

Dear Alexander,

The major department stores, like Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store always have been sold works of art. Your picture might have been sold in the Taishō or early Shōwa period (1926- 1945) In those times the starting monthly salary of a civil servant was about 50 Yen.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Japanese Scroll Painting - Mountain Landscape
Posted By: Alexander May Wed, Jul 01, 2020

Thanks Nagy!

I also spent the day researching re this and yes, Mitsukoshi started selling works by contemporary artists on 1907. It catered to the new middle class salary workers who were looking for art to adorn their homes. This started in the Meiji period when the old sumptuary laws of the Tokugawa were abolished; people were able to enjoy art which were previously allowed only for the samurai and upper classes.

https://academic.oup.com/jdh/article/27/4/351/2798116

Thanks for the help, as always! :)


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