UENAKA CHOKUSAI: A SCROLL PAINTING OF THREE GIRLS PLAYING UNDER PINE TREES
By Uenaka Chokusai (1885-1977), with artist signature and two seals
Japan, 20th century

Painted with ink and colors on silk, with a silk brocade frame, and mounted as a hanging scroll, depicting three young girls at play under two gnarled pine trees, one 'riding' a branch using a scarf as reins, pretending to be a witch riding a broom, another holding up a flag mounted on a long bamboo stalk, the third obscured by the tree and only visible from the back.

SIZE 210 x 51 cm (total) and 129.5 x 39.5 cm (image only)

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few minor creases, minimal soiling, slightly browned.
Provenance: French private collection.

Born in Nara, Chokusai's real name was Naojiro. He learnt under Fukada Chokujyo (1861-1947) and Hashimoto Gaho (1835-1908) as well as studying the doctrine of Nichiren Buddhism with Tanaka Chigaku (1861-1939). He also became a pupil of Yamamoto Shunkyo (1891-1933), exhibiting his Buddhist works at the Bunten and Teiten.

Auction comparison:
Compare a scroll painting by the same artist, but depicting a different subject, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2010, London, lot 141 (sold for 1,800 GBP).