This painting is 4 foot and 10 inches tall and 32 inches wide. It depicts Bhudda riding an elephant. It was purchased in 1991in New Jersey from an antique store. The colors are still vibrant.
Purchased in 1991 from an antique store in New Jersey.
This is a painting of Japanese (or possibly Chinese) origin depicting buddhist iconography. In Buddhism, a white elephant is related to the mother of Gautama Buddha. She dreamed of a white elephant in a foretelling of her pregnancy. White elephants in Asian culture represent peace and justice, and were prized by monarchs. The very odd-looking elephant is similar to other elephants painted by traditional Japanese artists, where most people would never have seen a real elephant.
The painting is ink on paper. The technique is very good. The signature seal kanji is faded and difficult to make out. It was probably painted in the 18th or 19th century. Based on sales of similar works, the Fair Market Value is between $600 and $800.
Paintings of elephants you may find interesting:
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/18th-c-japanese-scroll-painting-3436-c-d1549ef98b