Lot 51
East Asia, Japan, Edo/Meiji, ca. 19th century CE. A pair of tempera on paper scroll paintings depicting legions of warriors (33 figures and 34 figures in each) of varying ranks (perhaps including Samurai and trainees) on horseback wielding wooden swords, some donning cap-like headgear comprised of black fabric (perhaps eboshi) and garments of varying hues, and carrying banners of different colors (red, white, and bichrome red with blue). Interestingly, one of the paintings seems to reference the persecution of Japanese Christians who refused to renounce their faith in the 17th century. These individuals came from ordinary walks of life - farmers, women, children, even entire families. Notice the central group standing by the black and tan running curtain walls in one of the paintings. Five men are playing some type of wind instrument. One is striking a bronze gong decorated with a Yin and Yang symbol upon a lotus flower. One may be supporting or setting up the fence, but most significantly, one is holding a large red banner that features a white cross on a central design motif. Despite these terrible persecutions, the Christian community was not annihilated but rather went underground and continued to pass down their faith for two centuries even without official clergy. A rare pair of scroll paintings, replete with intriguing iconography and historical value. Size: 51" L x 11.5" H (129.5 cm x 29.2 cm) and 42.5" L x 11.5" H (108 cm x 29.2 cm)
Provenance: Ex-Denenberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles, CA.
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#116701
- Condition: Paper shows expected discoloration, folds, minor tears, and areas of staining as shown. Overall, however, the paintings are quite legible with vivid pigments.
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