Woodblock rice print, framed. Featuring two figures engaged in fighting. 17 x 24 cm (6.7 x 9.5 in). Kinsen Suzuki was born in Wakayama in 1867 and studied “Nan-ga†(Japanese for “Southern Paintingâ€, and also refered to as “Bunjin-ga†or Literati Painting) under Tsukushi Suiun. Since he could not get a job with Nan-ga painting, he studied ukiyo-e by himself and drew many kuchi-e for “koudan-bon†(book for story telling), and illustrations for Kobe Newspapers. His illustrations had reputations for their historical accuracy. It was said that 70-80% of illustrations for all the koudan books in Osaka were Kinsen’s. “Ukiyo-e†is a genre of Japanese art which flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries. Its artists produced woodblock prints and paintings of such subjects as female beauties; kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers; scenes from history and folk tales; travel scenes and landscapes; flora and fauna; and erotica. The term ukiyo-e translates as "picture[s] of the floating world". PROVENANCE: Private collection (Connecticut, United States).

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All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.