Lot 317: SUZUKI KIITSU (1796-1858) Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th century Maki

SUZUKI KIITSU (1796-1858) Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th century Makimono (horizontal handscroll), ink and colours on paper, depicting flora and fauna of the seasons, the mikaeshi (leader) of brocade silk, the jikusaki (roller ends) each decorated in gold lacquer with a phoenix, signed Kiitsu hitsu (brushed by Kiitsu) and sealed Kiitsu gaki (Pictorial record by Kiitsu); with a wooden tomobako storage box inscribed outside Kiitsu makimono (Kiitsu handscroll), the interior with a collector’s signature and seal. Overall: 30.3cm x 1157cm (11 7/8in x 456¼in); image: 28cm x 1074cm (11in x 422 7/8in). (2).

The collaborator and leading pupil of Sakai Hoitsu, Suzuki Kiitsu built on his master’s achievement by imbuing the Edo Rinpa style with a still greater naturalism based on direct observation of Japan’s flora and fauna.