Morikawa Sobun – 森川曾文 (1847-1902) – Bee and Plum Tree – 蜂と梅

SOLD. -THANK-YOU!

Morikawa-san was born in Kyoto to a merchant family which led him to early apprenticeship with Matsubara Tamaru, after which he studied with Maekawa Gorei. After more study with Hasegawa Gyokuho, he was able to establish himself, and when the Kyoto Municipal School of Painting was established in 1880, he was made a member of the faculty. Soon after, his ‘Autumn in Takao’ was selected for the First Paris-Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. His ‘Herd of Deer’, was shown at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. He was also awarded a bronze medal at the Exposition Universelle in 1900. Other institutions that hold his pieces include the Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, and the Yoshizawa Memorial Art Museum, Sano (towards the bottom of this page). The ancient symbolism of this piece is three-fold. A bee represents industriousness as well as happiness and prosperity. A plum tree or blossom is auspicious for overcoming adversity and success.

Beautiful lacquered roller ends (jikusaki), and the finest artisan, hand-made washi paper comprise this piece, and was selected and assembled by a high-ranking mounting artisan. Signed “Sobun”. The upper seal reads “Morikawa”, and the lower reads “Sobun”. Good condition for its age (a couple of light creases). *Please click the arrow on the upper left corner of the pictures to expand them.

16″ x 77″ – $375 – Price includes shipping worldwide! Comes with a signed and sealed document of authenticity. All prices in Canadian dollars. $25 discount for in-store purchase!