Page 81 - Fine Japanese Art November 29, 2019 Galerie Zacke

67 | KATO ZENJI III: A SUPERB PORCELAIN
PAINTING OF A WINTER SCENE WITH QUAILS
By Kato Zenji III (1848-1918) for the Imura Hikojiro studio of
Yokohama, signed Nihon Yokohama, Imura-seizo, with seal mark
Zen
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

A large rectangular porcelain plaque showing a superbly painted
and tranquil scene of three quails, depicted in various attitudes,
next to withering snowy leaves and flowers amidst a dense mist,
and under the shimmering moon. The quails are naturalistically
painted with excellent plumage and expressions. One of the quails
has its head turned back and exclaims with its beak wide open,
another is grooming itself and the last quail almost disappears in
the mist. The image of the three-dimensionally painted birds behind
the all-enveloping mist is achieved masterfully, making the quails
almost come alive before our eyes. Signed in the back in red Nihon
Yokohama, Imura-Seizo, and sealed ZEN for Kato Zenji III.

SIZE 56.1 x 43.6 cm
Condition: Superb condition.
Provenance: From an Austrian private collection. Kept in the same
family since the first half of the 20th century and thence by descent.

Estimate EUR 5.000,-
Starting price EUR 2.500,-

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