Page 270 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

274 | TAMURA TOKEI:
A LARGE AND
EXCEPTIONAL SCROLL
PAINTING OF A
DRAGON ABOVE
WAVES
By Tamura Tokei (1747-1816), signed
Bunka hinoto-u gogatsu, Tokei rogyo
Sai sha and with two seals “Sai in” and
“Tokei” plus a third seal
Japan, dated 1804, Edo period
(1615-1868)

A large painting mounted to a fine
brocade scroll with black-lacquered
roller ends. Depicted is a celestial
dragon amidst clouds and above finely
painted crashing waves. The dragon’s
body is partially hidden within the cloudy
mist. Note particularly the expressively
painted expression of the dragon with
large and humorously staring eyes.
Signed to the lower left side Bunka
hinoto-u gogatsu, Tokei rogyo Sai sha
with two seals [Painted by Tokei, an
art name Sai, an old man who enjoys
fishing, in the 5th month of Bunka 4th
year (1804)]. A further seal to the right in
the center of the image.
SIZE total 247 x 111 cm,
image only 179 x 92 cm
Condition: Excellent condition. Some
very minor discolorations and wear to
the painting.
Provenance: Ex collection Betty
Borman, Los Angeles.
Estimate EUR 3,000
Starting price EUR 1,500

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