offer expires at 12:01 AM PDT on 6 Mar 2026

Description

黒田稲皐 Kuroda Tōkō (1784-1849) Japanese antique art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / Three Carp in Water with Box RE498

黒田稲皐 Kuroda Tōkō (1784-1849) 
A samurai of the late Edo period from Inaba Province, now Tottori Prefecture, who also distinguished himself as a painter of remarkable sensitivity. Born Kuroda Bunshō and first using the art name Inaba before later adopting Tōkō, he studied sketch-based painting under the domain artist Hijikata Tōrei, acquiring a keen eye for form and a disciplined approach to observation. While he excelled in depictions of objects, flowers, birds, and animals, his mastery was most evident in his paintings of carp. The weight of the body, the shimmer of the scales, and the sense of movement within flowing water were rendered with such vitality that he became widely known as “Koi no Tōkō,” or “Tōkō of the Carp.” Blending the influence of the Maruyama–Shijō school with the quiet sensibility of the Inaba region, he developed a refined and naturalistic style in which the spirit of a warrior and the precision of direct observation coexist.

with signature and seal 'Inaba' 稲葉

Moving with a quiet, fluid rhythm, the three carp in this kakejiku are rendered with a sensitivity that captures the tension between stillness and motion within flowing water. Each fish is defined by subtle gradations of ink, the weight of the body conveyed through confident brushwork and the gentle modulation of tone. The reeds and aquatic plants create a vertical counterbalance, guiding the eye through the composition and enhancing the sense of depth. The signature and seal “Inaba” (稲葉) appear on the scroll, indicating that the work belongs to the painter’s early period, when he was still shaping the observational precision and naturalistic clarity that would later become hallmarks of his mature style. The scroll is accompanied by a preservation box, consistent with traditional storage practices for Edo‑period hanging scrolls.

Whole dimensions: 20.5" W x 79" H / 52.1cm x 200.9cm
Inside dimensions: 16.6" W x 44.4" H / 42.4cm x 113cm

Material: Silk
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Bone

Weight: 770g 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, DAMAGE a little, WARP, 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

"FREE SHIPPING" all over the world by International ePacket Light, EMS, or DHL.