Matsumoto Fūko – 松本 楓湖 (1840-1923) – Kusunoki Masashige – 楠木 正成

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This hanging scroll (kakejiku) is by one of the legendary painters of historical figures from the late-Edo to Taishō periods. Fūko showed talent as an artist as a little boy, and at age 12, his father took him to Edo (Tokyo) and tried to have him apprentice under the legendary Utagawa Kunisada, -however, he was refused and returned home. Two years later, he secured an apprenticeship under Oki Ichiga, who served the lords of the Tottori Domain from Edo. Under Ichiga, he learned the painting techniques of the Kanō, Rinpa and Nanpin schools. With such a broad introduction to the different branches of the art world, he could have easily chosen to specialize in a few major styles and varied subject matter, however, most likely because of his love for and practice of swordsmanship and the legends that were part of his studies, he became a renowned painter of historical figures and an official painter to the Imperial Household.

This scroll depicts Kusunoki Masashige, who was a Japanese military commander and samurai of the Kamakura period remembered as the ideal loyal samurai.

The scroll is in good, normal condition (small flaws and light foxing) and still very enjoyable. It has a high quality silk mounting and elegant, carved jikusaki (roller ends).

It’s dimensions are: 21.5″ x 79″ – $350 CAD – Price includes shipping worldwide. All prices in Canadian dollars. Comes with 3 hours of information in an email and a document of authenticity.