1989 Oil Painting on Canvas. Tokyo, Meguro origin.
28 August 2025
Description

Not sure who the artist is. The translation on the back that is written in Japanese explains this. I had a friend translate part of the description which says '25th main exhibition'. No idea what this means. My understand standing is that it originates from Meguro, Tokyo. I know that it it's difficult to find any information on this date in English.

Dimensions

1.7M X 1.2M

Acquired from
Secondhand Store
For sale
Yes
Answered within 4 days
By David U.
Sep 01, 12:00 UTC
Fair Market Value
$800 - $1,200 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a large oil painting on canvas dated 1989, measuring 1.7 x 1.2 meters, originating from Meguro, Tokyo. The composition depicts a canal scene with moored fishing boats and waterside architecture, rendered with a high degree of realism and atmospheric perspective. Inscriptions on the reverse in Japanese indicate a connection to an exhibition, with a partial translation referencing a “25th main exhibition.” This likely refers to a juried art society or municipal exhibition in Tokyo, where contemporary painters frequently presented works in the late 20th century. The signature visible on the front further suggests authorship by an exhibiting Japanese artist active in the 1980s.

As an unsigned or little-documented work in the Western art market, its value primarily lies in its aesthetic impact, large format, and regional interest. Japanese contemporary realist works from this era, when not tied to a well-known artist, tend to sell in the $500–$1,200 range at auction or through secondhand dealers. Should further research identify the exhibiting society and confirm the artist’s career, the value could increase significantly, with documented Japanese realist painters from the 1980s commanding between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on exhibition history and recognition. At present, a fair market estimate for this piece would be in the range of $800–$1,200.

Do you have a similar item and want to know how much it’s worth?

Communicate directly with a qualified specialist and get a fair market valuation of your item, typically in 48 hours or less.

Similar item appraisals

2 Nov, 2025
wooden hand carve...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
1 Nov, 2025
Satasuma floral a...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Oct, 2025
Noritake tea ser
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
30 Oct, 2025
Japanese Calligraphy
Asian art
Estimate: $800 - $1,500
30 Oct, 2025
These items compr...
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
30 Oct, 2025
Silver Tea Pot
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
29 Oct, 2025
Buddah
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
29 Oct, 2025
Old coins
Asian art
Estimate: No appraisals
29 Oct, 2025
Imari Tureen with...
Asian art
Estimate: $400 - $600