Seiro Kinen (Commemoration of the Attack on Russia)

ENQUIRE

Seiro Kinen ["Commemoration of the Attack on Russia"]

[Hamada], Josen [signed by].

[Japan, ca. 1904-1905]. In manuscript.

A political scene featuring the traditional Japanese fairytale characters Momotaro ("Peach Boy") and friends (a dog, monkey, and pheasant) storming into battle against Russian soldiers. The scroll was probably painted during or shortly after the Russo-Japanese War (1904-5). The traditional armour and simple weaponry worn by Momotaro and friends represent ancient, steadfast Japan, while the cannon, warship, steam locomotive, and large number of soldiers in the background suggest the firepower, manpower, and technology required by Russia to take on such a formidable foe. The painting is signed by the illustrator and print designer Hamada Josen (1875-1928), a pupil of Tomioka Eisen (1864-1905). The inscription at the foot of the scroll reads Seiro Kinen 征露記念 ("Commemoration of the Attack on Russia"). The artist's signature reads Josen-zu 如洗圖 ("Illustrated by Josen") and his seal Josen 如洗.

Nidan hyōsō (two-layered) mounting, original jiku (scroll-knobs) present. Pigments on silk. Light foxing, browning, and marks to silk and mounting. One or two light scrapes to mounting. Small tear to upper left corner of mounting. Minor foxing and very light stains to mounting verso. Housed in wooden box. Mounting measures 166.3 x 55.6 cm; illustration on silk measures 109.8 x 41 cm.

Seiro Kinen (Commemoration of the Attack on Russia)
SOLD