272 - MOCHIZUKI KINPO: TIGER

MOCHIZUKI KINPO: TIGER By Mochizuki Kinpo (1846-1915), signed Kinpo and with seal mark Mochizuki manabu in Japan, dated 1897 Ink and watercolors on silk. Mounted as a hanging scroll within a silk brocade frame with ivory jikusaki (roller ends). Finely painted in soft brush strokes to depict a tiger facing the viewer, the majestic feline with forelegs crossed exposing sharp talons, and the face with a fierce expression and piercing eyes. Inscriptions: To the lower right, signed 金鳳 Kinpo with the seal mark 望月学印 Mochizuki manabu in. To the cover of the wood box, inscribed 虎図壹幅 Tora zu ippuku [picture of a tiger, one scroll]. To the interior of the cover, 明治 丁酉 一月 Meiji hinoto-tori ichi gatsu [corresponding to 1897] and signed 金鳳 Kinpo with seal mark 金鳳 Kinpo. Image SIZE 42.6 x 104.2 cm, SIZE incl. mounting 55.7 x 198.1 cm Provenance: From the private collection of Heinrich Georg Johann and Eva Harms, assembled in Shanghai between 1935 and 1942. Heinrich Georg Johann Harms (1906-175) was a chemist and former director of Merck & Co. Together with his wife Eva (1905-1998) they acquired various objects while staying in Shanghai, documenting their collection interests as a European couple in the vibrant international metropolis of the time. Among the highlights of their collection are three archaic bronzes from the Shang Dynasty, including a Gu and a Li-Ding, whose seal marks reference significant clans from the 11th century BC; and various Tibetan and Japanese artworks. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, little soiling, and few creases that are reinforced to the back. The mounting with signs of wear, creasing, and the lower section with water damage and stains, all reinforced to the back. With an inscribed and dated wood tomobako. Important notice: Please note that we will need to remove the ivory roller ends before shipping / handing over the item. The roller ends are not part of this offer. Mochizuki Kinpo (1846-1915) born in Osaka, initially studied painting under Jinpo Hayashi, receiving instruction in the Maruyama school, and later continued his training with Kan’ei Nishiyama of the Shijo school. His early ambitions, however, did not immediately center on painting, as he once aspired to become a swordsman. Instead, he entered government service, working for the Ministry of the Interior, where he was appointed to the Geography Division and spent a period stationed in Hokkaido. During this time, he submitted a work based on his experiences in Hokkaido to the First National Painting Exhibition, for which he received a certificate of commendation. Thereafter, he relocated to Tokyo to pursue painting in earnest, exhibiting widely, particularly in exhibitions associated with the Japan Art Association. He mainly created animal images for the Japan Art Association and often won awards. Museum comparison: Compare a related painting of dogs under the autumn moon by the same artist, in the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, reference number SZK000111.