Konoshima Ôkoku (1877-1938) Nihonga Blossoming plum at a streamSigned: Ôkoku Seals: Ayami (Bunshitsu) Technique: colours on silk 30,2 x 25,4 Mounting: grey gold damaskand brown silk 123 x 38 Condition: very good Ôkoku, is known as a delicate sensitive painter of kachôga and landscapes. He was a rather independent artist, who remained true to his own high standards and didn’t allow himself to be influenced by fashion. In his early career he was a successful artist, a frequent winner of prizes at the Bunten; and from 1913 on a juror for both Bunten and Teiten. In his later years he increasingly felt unrecognized and turned to poetry and calligraphy. His sense of lonliness probably had to do with his independent attitude. Ôkoku, studied painting with Imao Keinen (1845-1924) and at the same time he studied Chinese classics with the Confucianist Yamamoto Keigu (1827-1903). Reference: Roberts p. 89 Araki p.2756 20th. p.171 Morioka & Berry ‘99 pp. 206-11 (# 58-59) Price: SOLD | |