Pine and Plum Trees
"wood- engraving by S. Izumi colour press by T. Wada" Kano Sanraku. The (Similar?) Piece is noted in the January 1908 (Volume XVIII Number 212) publication of "Kokka" below page 170 (as linked below) with exact image and reverse label as shown in images provided. The publication was found at Google Books. < https://books.google.com/books?id=LBwKAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA170 >. To Add: I am fairly certain this has been reframed, and only the backing paper seems damaged. I will attempt some better quality images tomorrow, but I am uncomfortable with removing it from the glassed frame. The glass glare is an issue though. I will also add dimensions measured from the edge to edge of the matting as I did not include that originally. To Add More: Added more images. My apologies for the lack of quality of the images using my phone camera. Additionally, this piece is exactly in the condition it was when aquired about 4 years ago. Frame and hardware on back, paper, etc., is as it was when acquired. Measurements taken from exposed area inside the mat area are: H; 4 7/8" x L; 13 5/8". Additional information on the technique of Chromoxylograph which specifically mentions "T. Wada". < https://www.waseda.jp/inst/wias/assets/uploads/2019/11/003_WIAS-Paper-Hanley-Watanabe.pdf >
Purchased at local thrift shop. When purchased the shop keeper said it was brought in from an estate sale just prior to my purchase. I did find where someone prior, probably from the persons estate, had shown it online on some other websites. The pictures looks identical on the label on back, and I believe it to be the same.
Other
Maybe
Hi Mark,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage Japanese "Pine and Plum Trees" miniature four-fold screen
Chromoxylograph of an original wood- engraving by S. Izumi; with coloring by T. WadaKano Sanraku.
Japanese, 20th Century
4-7/8 inches high, 13-5/8 inches long (sight size)
CONDITION: client believes this to have been reframed.
PROVENANCE: acquired at a local thrift store
$75-125*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
I would like to suggest that I am in a better position now to take better images if requested.
The entire thing is really that small? It looked so much larger in the photos. Almost like a full-size four-fold floor screen, framed, which people do now.
If it's possible to get a better photo that doesn't have the glass glare that would be great.
Thank you!
As noted in the opening post, the ...
Measurements taken from exposed area inside the mat area are: H; 4 7/8" x L; 13 5/8".
The numbers I added in reply were for the frame sizes.
I will get a couple better images by tomorrow.
Hang in there please. Having some technology issues.
Sorry for the delay. I have uploaded 4 more images. Left half, right half, full width, and a closeup of what appears to be silk matting. I did my best to remove glare, but the glass makes it difficult. Value is NOT AS important to me as knowing of the origins, production numbers (if applicable), as well as age and maybe scarcity of this piece. I am certain this piece is as similar and as old as the one shown in the above linked 1908 document.
And yes, it is that small. Kano produced these smaller versions were made for the educators in advanced art studies. The original is in fact very large and is owned by a Saudi Prince at the time of the production of these.
Bump back to the front? Or is it just flea market trash.
Mark,
I must apologize PROFUSELY that this got lost in the shuffle and was only brought back to my attention a week or so ago; I've retraced my steps and re-established contact with colleagues. Unfortunately, no one could tell exactly when this was made other than "20th Century" but all agree that it has a decorative value of $75-125.
Again, my apologies that I let this go so long before answering ; typically we are rigorous about completing appraisals within 1-2 weeks at the longers and you'd be well within your rights to ask for a refund. Do let me know if you'd like me to process one.
Thank you for the reply. Between life changing for everyone everywhere due to the pandemic, and additionally myself having contracted covid and was offline for a few months recovering as such, no, I do not request nor desire a refund. So no apology necessary.
Regarding the painting, thank you for the appraisal. I think my frustrations are from the almost complete absence of information I could find on this piece. The obvious clue was from google books. Even though this piece is over 100 years old and hand painted by the reproduction craftsmen of the day, their purpose was to create small examples of art to be studied by students of that medium using the methods of the original masters. With myself only having ever found one other online over the years, I expect this is rather rare as well as maybe others of assorted works.
I shall keep it hanging where I enjoy it in my office, as it is pleasing to look at. Thanks again.
H: 12 1/2" x L: 21" edge to edge.
Frame face is 5/8" and Depth is 1 1/8"