Lot 231: * Kikuchi Yosai (1781-1878) Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), circa 1850-1878

Kikuchi Yosai (1781-1878)
Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), circa 1850-1878Kakejiku (vertical hanging scroll), ink and colours on silk in silk mounts, depicting a court lady in a colourful spring kimono embroidered with cherry blossom holding her long hair in her left hand; signed Yosai and sealed Takeyasu; with a wood tomobako storage box inscribed Kyujo Kikuchi Yosai hitsu (Court lady brushed by Kikuchi Yosai) and a certificate dated Taisho kanoto-tori (1921) by the artist's pupil Matsumoto Fuko (1840-1923). Overall: 210cm x 59.5cm (82 5/8in x 23 3/8in); image: 113cm x 40cm (44½in x 15¾in). (3).

Kikuchi Yosai, a versatile artist trained in several Japanese styles as well as in Western painting techniques, made a special study of the usages and practices of the ancient court and military households.