Lot 77B
Japanese, Meiji culture, late 19th century. Skillfully rendered with mineral colors and applied to a silk floral scroll, this painting depicts a female Yurei, a ghost in Japanese folklore, with long, unkempt hair, wearing white robes. She stands with her body partially turned toward the left, her head turned right, and her visage facing the viewer with a menacing expression composed of an eerie smile that looks more like a grimace, eyes looking up and to the left perhaps staring into the soul of the viewer. She is unnaturally thin, robe falling off her skin-over-skeleton left shoulder. Significantly, to her left and right are depictions of fiery flames, suggesting that she is perhaps the famous Ghost of Okiku Rising from Flames. Hideous and yet you can't quite take your eyes away. Haunting and delightful simultaneously! Size of frame: 84" L x 27" W (213.4 cm x 68.6 cm) Size of scroll: 75" L x 17.75" W (190.5 cm x 45.1 cm)
Yurei often represent the spirits of those who died with unresolved issues or strong emotions, and their depictions in art explore themes of grief, loss and the supernatural. The story of Okiku is among Japan's most famous ghost stories. She was unjustly framed by the evil Tetsuzan for stealing the tenth dish from a set of treasured dishes. Then, she was tossed into a well as punishment for not killing Tomonosuke, who was set to become the new lord of Himeji Castle. According to the story, her ghost may be seen rising from the well and may be heard counting dishes, and eventually crying when she gets to the number nine.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection
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#191254
-
Condition:
- Very fine condition, framed in acrylic on wood. Frame alone would cost $1000+
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |