offer expires at 12:01 AM PDT on 19 Dec 2025

Description

英一蝶 Hanabusa Iccho (1652-1724) Japanese art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 群盲撫象 Gunmo Zo Wo Hyousu (Blind Men and Elephant) with Box RD920

群盲撫象 Gunmo Zo Wo Hyousu
An Indian fable in which several blind men touch only parts of an elephant and discuss their impressions. It is also used as a metaphor for the tendency to mistake understanding only a part or one aspect of a matter or person for understanding the whole.

英一蝶 Hanabusa Iccho (1652-1724)
Japanese mid-Edo period painter and artist. Born in Kyoto in 1652 as the son of Taga Hakuan. Recognized for his talent as a painter, Ichicho was introduced to Kano Yasunobu, the head of the Kano family, by order of the feudal lord. He also became familiar with haikai, and became friends with the haiku poets Takarai Kikaku and Matsuo Basho. He studied calligraphy under Genryu.

with signature and seal 'Hanabusa Iccho' 英一蝶

A hanging scroll attributed to Hanabusa Iccho (1652–1724), depicting the classic Zen parable “Blind Men and the Elephant” (Gunmō Zō wo Hyōsu). Rendered in lively ink on silk, the work captures Iccho’s characteristic humor and keen observation of human nature. Each figure expresses a different misunderstanding of the elephant, illustrating the timeless message about perception and illusion. The composition is both playful and philosophical, embodying Iccho’s distinctive Edo-period wit and free brushwork. Subtle aging of the silk enhances the warm, antique presence of the painting. The scroll comes with a wooden storage box, offering both historical interest and practical preservation. A charming and thoughtful piece, ideal for collectors of Zen-inspired artworks and Edo-period narrative paintings.

Whole dimensions: 25.3" W x 45.1" H / 64.5cm x 114.7cm
Inside dimensions: 20" W x 11.8" H / 50.9cm x 30.2cm

Material: Silk
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Wood

Weight: 840g including Box

Condition

Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: STAIN a little, CREASE a little, DAMAGE a little, FOLD, STAIN DAMAGE in the back of the mounting.

About the colors of the photos

The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.

Shipping

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