Page 19 - Christies Japanese and Korean Art Sept 22 2020 NYC

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NAGASAWA ROSETSU (1754-1799)
Cranes in Snow
Signed Rosetsu sha, sealed Nagasawa and Gyo
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
40Ω x 13 in. (102.9 x 33 cm.)
$20,000-30,000

Rosetsu, along with Soga Shohaku and Ito Jakuchu, was at the
cutting edge of his times. The three were known as the "Three
Eccentrics,” which meant painting in a highly individualistic
manner, but was also related to character. Rosetsu, for example, was
known as something of an argumentative hothead and his behavior
and excessive drinking are part of the background that adds to the
enjoyment of his pictures.

The son of a low-ranking samurai, he decided early on to study
with Maruyama Okyo in Kyoto, but soon opened his own studio,
discarded his teacher’s careful realism, and went on to become a
pioneer of modernist expressionism. He died on an outing to Osaka
at the age of only forty-six—some say an envious rival put poison
in his boxed lunch. Others tell of him slitting his throat due to
financial troubles. What is certain is that he was unusually confident
and relished novelty, with a streak of vulgarity. He was quick-
witted, versatile and had exceptional technical skill.
Rosetsu creates mischievous, comical birds and beasts with attitude
and character.