By Tamechika Reizei (1823-1864), signed Kuroudo tokoro no shu jugoi-ge shikibu shojo Sugawara Ason Tamechika no zu with seal
Japan, 19^th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

Ink on paper. Mounted as a hanging scroll on a silk brocade frame, with antler handles. Finely painted with Minamoto Toshiyori admiring a gushing waterfall accompanied by his attendants.

Signed and inscribed lower right, ‘Kuroudo tokoro no shu jugoi-ge shikibu shojo Sugawara Ason TAMECHIKA no zu’ [Painted by the high-ranking official Sugawara Ason Tamechika]. One seal. One inscription to the back, ‘Gazing at a Waterfall, painted by Sugawara Ason Tamechika’.

SIZE 28.5 x 105.5 cm (image), 30.5 x 186.5 cm (including mounting)

Condition: Good condition with minor wear and creasing. The brocade frame with usual traces of wear and age.

Tamechika Reizei (1823-1864) was a painter of the late Tokugawa period whose talent and efforts contributed a great deal to the revival of the traditional Yamato-e (paintings stressing Japanese themes and techniques as against the Kara-e, a style under strong Chinese influence). He was born into the Kano family of painters. He was drawn, however, to the Yamato-e style and improved his artistry by copying old Yamato-e masterpieces. Under the name Reizei, he produced numerous works on traditional themes, using ancient techniques. Later, he was adopted by the court nobleman, Okada Dewa no Kami, after which he signed his name as Okada or Sugawara. He became a courtier of the imperial court in Kyoto in order to study firsthand the traditional practices of the court, which he considered important subject matter.

Minamoto Toshiyori (1055-1129) was an important and innovative Japanese poet, who compiled the Gosen Wakashu. He was the son of Minamoto no Tsunenobu (1016–1097); holder of the second rank in court and of the position of Grand Counsellor). Shunrai was favored by Emperor Go-Sanjo and to a lesser degree Emperor Shirakawa.