Kakejiku - fake or real?

[Guido]

I bought this hanging scroll a few years ago; it depicts Sakamoto Ryōma (坂本龍馬), and is signed Kumon Kikusen (公文菊僊). This Kakejiku is rather large, 196 x 64 cm, the picture itself 124.5 x 50.5 cm.

 

It’s a famous motif, and Kumon Kikusen did a few like it to my knowledge. The price was very reasonable, and I bought it assuming it’s a fake. However, the paper and silk look pretty old, and is torn in places. I’m planning to have it remounted, and would ask the craftsman to cut off the upper part with the fake inscription - if it is a fake indeed. I’m rather sure about it, but obviously not an expert, and am asking those who are more familiar with Japanese paintings for advice.

[Guido]

Some more details:

[Clive Sinclaire]

Nice one Guido,

have a look at this one that I was given. It depicts the 3 great masters of Soshu-den, Go Yoshihiro, Masamune and Awataguchi Yoshimitsu. Cool eh?

Clive Sinclaire

[Clive Sinclaire]

Arghhhh!!! It is not supposed to have the writing on it - sorry!

Clive

[Guido]

Live is so unfair - I have to use my hard earned money, and Clive get's things for free ...

[cabowen]

It still all comes down to who you know....

[Guido]

It still all comes down to who you know....

At the moment I'd be satisfied to know someone who has knowlege of paintings ...

[Toryu2020]

Guido -

Most of the reproductions are done on heavy stock (paper), this appears to be on silk. Likely someone had to brush that signature on and the picture as well - nice work even if a copy. Got close-ups of the mount?

-t

[Grey Doffin]

Whether or not the inscription is bogus, I like the piece better with the inscription than without (shortened). If it were mine to decide I'd not have the inscription cut off.

Grey

[Justin Grant]

I agree with Grey- The signature is not the most important part, what is it you all say, buy the sword, not the signature :D , same thing here. You would not cut off a nakago because it was gimei would you?

 

Leave it as is would be my opinion.

[leo]

Hallo Guido,

impressive and very decorative painting.

I could find 2 paintings by Kumon Kikusen. I included their signatures: "Kikusen" + personal seal. I have to confess that I am not an expert on paintings either. Maybe he signed differently on kakemono?

 

Grüße,

[Clive Sinclaire]

Live is so unfair - I have to use my hard earned money, and Clive get's things for free ..

Actually dear Guido, good things come to those that deserve them and as Chris says, its all about who you know and in my case, who I manage to avoid upsetting! I was given this by a polisher (not Mishina) who visited my house and who I had spent a lot of time with in Japan.

 

I am also pleased to report that this week I have received my Choensai Tsunatoshi back from polishing and shinsa (it got Tokubetsu Hozon) in Japan. I am amazed at the quality of the polish and I am getting to like these Bakamatsu Bizen smiths more and more. This is especially so when the polish allows you to seee the fine jihada rather than the muji-hada often associated with blades of this period. Its also a relief, as always, to get it back with no major customs problems, although I did have to prove that it was already mine and that I had not just bought it in Japan. It is also a good feeling to be able to re-assemble the koshirae now that I have tsunagi.

 

I'm sorry that I digress, but Guido, old boy, I have lost count of the amount of beer that you owe me and I trust you will be at Dai To-ken Ichi this year so that I can redress the balance in line with the Geneva Convention on alchohol abuse?

 

Regards

Clive Sinclaire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry for digressing, I do believe that you owe me at least one pint of beer Guido, will you be at Dai To-ken Ichi for me to collect>

Regards

Clive Sinclaire

[Jean]

Clive,

 

I hope we will have a small drinking session as last year in this pub where I hope Robert will have found a new theme :D.

Drinks shall be on me...

[Guido]

@ Tom: it's definately silk, as are the "borders", all on a backing of thick paper.

 

@ Martin: thanks for the signatures, the ones you posted look very different indeed.

 

@ Clive: I don't remember owing you any beers, but then again I don't remember much about our last meeting anyhow (probably the effect of the beer you claim I owe you ).

Anyhow, booked my flights yesterday, and am looking forward to see you at the DTI; let's discuss the matter then ... over some beer ... :lol:

 

@ Jean: thanks for the generous offer - I trust you'll buy *real* beer for *real* men: half litres, and not those silly pints!

[watsonmil]

Dear Guido

As far as I know I pint equals 568 ml, ... therefore since there are 1000 ml to a liter, .... a pint is much more a man's drink than your dwarfish 1/2 liter.

... Ron Watson

[Nobody]

I cannot answer to your question, but.....

Did you read this?

Ref. http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/sightseeing/a ... 1127000051

[Guido]

As far as I know I pint equals 568 ml, ... therefore since there are 1000 ml to a liter, .... a pint is much more a man's drink than your dwarfish 1/2 liter.

The imperial version is 20 imperial fluid ounces and is equivalent to about 568 ml, while the U.S. version is 16 U.S. fluid ounces and is equivalent to about 473 ml.

Hmmm, since I was talking to one of Her Majesty's subjects, I guess I stand corrected. Looks like the colonists managed to brainwash me, even though I only lived a couple of years in the US. I therefore decided to go back to the good old German *one* liter mugs, no room for doubt (and/or staying sober) there!

[Guido]

Koichi, thanks for the link! It's a pity the picture is too small to make a comparison, but the colors etc. look quite different.

 

In any case, I haven't decided yet, but present the before - after (photoshopped) versions for consideration:

[Nobody]

I think that even if the kakejiku was not genuine, it is thought to be a replica rather than a fake. I recommend that you leave it as it is. Furthermore, if you cut the upper area, it loses proper proporton.

 

FYI: http://honakote.com/?mode=f15

[Guido]

I think that even if the kakejiku was not genuine, it is thought to be a replica rather than a fake. I recommend that you leave it as it is. Furthermore, if you cut the upper area, it loses proper proporton.

Thanks again, Koichi - I will follow your recommendation. It's old enough (my guess is pre-WWII) to not be considered an outright fake, and especially - as you pointed out - the proportion would be lost. And, of course, there's still the chance (how slim it might be) that it's by the master's hand after all. If still in Japan, I would submit it to "nandemo kanteidan" :D !

[Curran]

Mm. I agree.