This poetry and artwork, done by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century—Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875), tells the story of a personal moment of joy and contemplation upon returning home one autumn evening accompanied by the brilliant moon above...

A symbol of health and prosperity, these ripe eggplants were painted by Hasegawa Gyokuhou (1822 - 1879), a disciple of one of Kyoto’s leading Shijo school artists, Matsumara Keibun (1779 - 1843). The attached stylized calligraphic poem, which speaks of accomplishment and being productive in one’s endeavors, was done by one of Japan’s most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century—Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)...

Signifying strength and resilience, bamboo—together with pine and plum (sho chiku bai)—is an auspicious symbols running through the heart of Japanese art and culture. The young bamboo depicted here—sprouting from a patch of rocks—were composed by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875).

Rengetsu was born into a Samurai family but was soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family...

This poem, inscribed with Rengetsu’s unmistakeable flowing calligraphic script, is set on a backdrop of colored washi paper decorated with gold flecks and intricate renderings of magical forest spirits. The spirits are drawn using “gofun”—a calcium carbonate powder obtained by heating and grinding oyster shells collected around the Inland Sea coast...

Japanese Meiji period painting on silk finely rendered with three birds perched on a tree branch set against a rising full moon. Signed “Gokyo” (artist unidentified) with a red seal below. Appears to date from the 19th century to circa 1900. Measures 47”V x 19 3/4”H. Very good overall condition with minor discoloration from foxing and a faintly visible horizontal soil line at the mid-section. The painting is executed on fine silk gauze...

Japanese scroll painting depicting a scene from the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji). A nobleman and a young man sit on tatame mats and look out onto a garden setting. They are surrounded by painted byobu screens and clouds of gold mist. The painting is rendered in traditional Tosa School manner with flattened over head perspective and fine lined brushwork. Painted in mineral colors, sumi ink and gold leaf flecks on paper. Edo Period. Size of scroll: 47" high x 19 1/2" wide...

A late winter scene picturing a majestic white hawk alighting on a plum branch in full bloom. Hawks—which were used for hunting during the Momoyama and Edo periods (takagari)—are considered symbols of nobility, strength, and are thought to embody the samurai spirit...

A rare antique scroll depicting 2 Japanese TANUKI RACOON DOGS (mangut) in their natural environment. Signed and with Seal bottom right. Good condition. Size: H.45.75" x W. 24.5" ( 116 cm. x 62 cm.). 19th Century

Important Edo Period C.1850 scroll painting of Kannon holding `Yatagarasu` the divine crow and messenger to the gods. Symbolizes the sun and like the sacred phoenix resides in the celestial realm. A mark of rebirth and rejuvenation. Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance. This great crow was sent from heaven as a guide for Emperor Jimmu on his initial journey from the region which would become Kumano to what would become Yamato, (Yoshino and then Kashihara)...

Based on a classical tale adapted into a popular Kabuki performance in late Edo, the story of the Fuji Musume or “Wisteria Maiden” is an often employed motif in Japanese art. In the story, the Wisteria Maiden is depicted in a painting holding a wisteria branch, until one day she becomes smitten with a young man passing by and steps out of the painting in an effort to capture his attention. Unfortunately, her attempts are futile...

A superb Japanese pair of hanging scrolls, dating from the Momoyama Period. Depicting scenes of autumn signed by the noted painter of the Kano school, Kano Shoeisai Naonobu (1519-1592). One scroll is depicting a pair of Bohemian Waxwings perched on maple and the other scroll is showing a group of sparrows frolicking among millet. Has the original lid incorporated into the scroll box. Very well painted with high level of detail...

Long a symbol of longevity, good luck, and support in many parts of Asia; in Japan the turtle has the added symbolism of being one of the cardinal protectors of Heian, the ancient capital city of Kyoto. This rendition of a turtle basking on a sunny riverbank was done by one of the most renowned and loved Waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)...

New Arrival

Japanese antique small and charming scroll painting and poem by Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). The image is of a small hut with a thatched roof. The poem translates as follows:
春鳥 春寒み 榾火にねぶる 山賤の 夢おどろかす うぐひすの声

cold spring day, a worker naps, by an outdoor fire,
his dreams i...

Antique Japanese fan painting of a single bat in sumi-e ink on paper. Signed by the artist. The painting is 18th century, later mounted as a scroll. The surface of the painting is very unusual and has a slight opalescent quality.
Size of scroll: 48" high x 24" wide (26" wide including scroll ends). Size of fan painting: 9" high x 19" wide.

Painting in ink and polychromy on paper framed with silk of Fugen Bostasu (Great Bodhisattva) accompanied by two attendants. His elephant out of a cloud. Japan. Edo 19th century. Overall dimensions: L52 (20.4")x H137cm (53.7"). painting Dimensions: L37,5 (14.7")x H91cm (35.7").

Antique Japanese scroll signed Rengetsu (1791-1875), with beautiful calligraphy poem, and small painted flying crane, painted in sumie, beneath. Grass writing calligraphy poem reads: Tsuki no , aki no tomoshi, saki no toki matsu hodo, shiru toki wa, hatsukari no shiru Along with The Autumn moon, Instead of waiting for its coming, The first geese Know already

Size: (entire scroll) 70" L x 12.5" W (artwork only) 38" L x 9.25" W

Here in Kyoto our gallery is located along the Kamo River in a district known as Shobu-en Machi, which roughly translates as “Iris Town.” As you can imagine, the scene depicted in this painting of irises and cranes is one that can be commonly witnessed in our neighborhood in the spring (May) when these flowers are in full bloom. Close inspection of the painting shows one crane amusing itself in the swirling eddies created by rocks on the river bed, while another lifts its head to admire the ...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a horse, done in sumi ink, its legs kicked up into the air. Very disciplined calligraphy brush work is used, and may have been executed by a Zen Buddhist monk. This horse painting was possibly cut down from a larger screen and mounted as a scroll.

18th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 17.5" W x 52" H (entire scroll) 14.25" W x 20.75" H