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Framed Japanese Portrait of a Buddhist Priest by Goro Kamenaga

Creator: Kamenaga Goro
Offered by: Tishu

Description
A gouache on silk painting of a Buddhist priest by Japanese painter Goro Kamenaga (1890-1955). The highly realistic painting depicts a figure in seated position, donning a Buddhist robe with a kesa tied on top and holding a string of prayer beads in his hands. Although not possible for us to know his identity, the figure is apparently in high enlightenment, perhaps a historical Zen master. This is indicated by a halo around his head, which is normally reserved for important Arhats or Bodhisattvas, who have reached nirvana in the Buddhism art. The painting was signed Goro and dated to the June of Tasho sixth year (1917). The image size is approximately 21.75" h by 14.75" w. The painting is nicely presented under a brown silk mat in a gilt wood frame.
Born in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Goro Kamenaga was a disciple of Kiyokata Kaburagi. He was selected for the Imperial Art Exhibition in honor of Prince Shotoku and the Berlin Japanese Painting Exhibition. His work was characterized by its unique beauty, movement and composition, the spirituality and inner nature of the characters, and the freedom of combination of delicate colors and shapes.
For a painted screen with figures by the artist in 1926, see lot 62 of Christie's sale 2266 on March 17th, 2009.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Japan
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	gouache on silk
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Framed. Scattered foxing on the silk, mostly concentrated on the lower margin below the brocade border as shown.
Creation Date:	1917
Styles / Movements:	Color, Asian Art
Incollect Reference #:	644218

Dimensions

W.	25.75 in;	H.	36.75 in;	D.	1.5 in;
W.	65.41 cm;	H.	93.35 cm;	D.	3.81 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion