About The Artist
Hanabusa Itchō (1652-1724) was a distinguished Japanese painter and poet, remembered for both his innovative style and controversial life. Born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Itchō broke away from the conventional Kano school's artistic traditions, choosing to weave a blend of humor, realism, and wit ...
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Since purchased by Allan Stypeck in 1974, Second Story Books has grown from its small second floor location in northwest Washington, D.C., to become one of the largest used and rare bookstores in the world. During the pre-internet era of bookselling, Second Story Books had six locations from Alexandria to Baltimore, including the famous Georgetown Saville Bookstore location. With the growth of the internet, Second Story Books consolidated its brick-and-mortar presence into our two locations. 
Artist: Hanabusa Itchō
Price:
$10,000.00
Medium: Painting
Ship From Rockville, MD
More Details
Creation Date: 1700
Materials: Painting on silk mounted on silk covered paper scroll
Dimensions: 79" x 58" x 4"
Condition: Fine. Recently restored and rebacked. The mount includes both new material (the backing and most of the silk mount) and material from a previous restoration (the futai, or decorative strips, and the thin strips of material immediately above and below the painting). An open tear (2 in. x 1.5 in.) in an unpainted area near the center of the painting has been neatly repaired, as have several other closed tears in unpainted portions of the silk (see photographs). See complete condition report above.
Finish: Unframed
About the Item: Large Japanese scroll painting on silk by Hanabusa Itcho (1652-1724), painting dimensions: w 48.75 in. x h 31 in., mount dimensions: w 57.5 in. x h 79 in. x 4 in when rolled. Signed lower left (see photographs) with two seals.
The Battle of Yashima, March 22, 1185, was one of the battles of the Genpei War between the Taira and Minamoto clans of Japan. The battle took place on and near Shikoku Island in what is now Kagawa Province.
In The Tale of the Heike, an epic account of the two clans’ struggle for control of Japan, a very beautiful lady in a Heike boat, placed a fan atop a pole, and dared the Minamoto to knock it off. In one of the most famous archery feats in all of Japanese history, Nasu no Yoichi rode out into the sea on horseback, and did just that in one shot. The Minamoto were victorious, but the majority of the Taira fleet escaped to Dan-no-ura, where they were defeated one month later in the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
Recently restored and rebacked. The mount includes both new material (the backing and most of the silk mount) and material from a previous restoration (the futai, or decorative strips, and the thin strips of material immediately above and below the painting). An open tear (2 in. x 1.5 in.) in an unpainted area near the center of the painting has been neatly repaired, as have several other closed tears in unpainted portions of the silk (see photographs). Some moderate discoloration to silk near Taira warriors at the right edge of the scene, with general light discoloration and small stains to silk, consistent with age.
The Battle of Yashima, March 22, 1185, was one of the battles of the Genpei War between the Taira and Minamoto clans of Japan. The battle took place on and near Shikoku Island in what is now Kagawa Province.
In The Tale of the Heike, an epic account of the two clans’ struggle for control of Japan, a very beautiful lady in a Heike boat, placed a fan atop a pole, and dared the Minamoto to knock it off. In one of the most famous archery feats in all of Japanese history, Nasu no Yoichi rode out into the sea on horseback, and did just that in one shot. The Minamoto were victorious, but the majority of the Taira fleet escaped to Dan-no-ura, where they were defeated one month later in the Battle of Dan-no-ura.
Recently restored and rebacked. The mount includes both new material (the backing and most of the silk mount) and material from a previous restoration (the futai, or decorative strips, and the thin strips of material immediately above and below the painting). An open tear (2 in. x 1.5 in.) in an unpainted area near the center of the painting has been neatly repaired, as have several other closed tears in unpainted portions of the silk (see photographs). Some moderate discoloration to silk near Taira warriors at the right edge of the scene, with general light discoloration and small stains to silk, consistent with age.
About The Artist
Hanabusa Itchō (1652-1724) was a distinguished Japanese painter and poet, remembered for both his innovative style and controversial life. Born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), Itchō broke away from the conventional Kano school's artistic traditions, choosing to weave a blend of humor, realism, and wit into his work. His distinct style often captured the everyday life of commoners, a deviation from the era's mainstream, which favored historical or mythical subjects. Despite his talent, Itchō's sharp satire didn't escape criticism. Infamously, he was exiled for mocking the shogunate in one of his works, but was later pardoned. Today, he's revered as an artist who dared to think differently, leaving an indelible mark on Japanese art history.
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