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Description

高橋草坪 Takahashi Sohei (1802-1833) Japanese antique art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / Beautiful Woman Playing Flute Under Moon with Appraised Box RE369

This scroll comes with an appraisal box by 'Tanomura Shochiku' 田能村小竹 (1880-1945)

高橋草坪 Takahashi Sohei (1802-1833)
Nanga artist of the late Edo period. Born into a merchant family in Bungo (Oita Prefecture). Studied under 田能村竹田 Tanomura Chikuden (1777-1835) at the age of 19. Chikuden loved and recognized his talent, saying that Sohei’ｓ well-done work was excellent than his own. There is an anecdote that 浦上春琴 Uragami Shunkin (1779-1846), 25 years older than Sohei, mistook Sohei's landscape paintings, which he had not yet seen, for the works of a famous ancient Chinese painter. His name was well known in Kyoto and Osaka. However, he suffered from a chest ailment and died before Chikuden. His works range from elegant to heavy and serious.

with signature 'Sohei U' 草坪 雨 and seal 'Sohei' 草坪 'Takahashi U in' 高橋雨印

Bathed in moonlight, the woman in this hanging scroll—attributed to Takahashi Sohei (1802–1833)—is shown actively playing her flute, her posture poised and her expression absorbed in the quiet music she releases into the night air. Sohei’s training under Tanomura Chikuden is evident in the graceful handling of line and the gentle transitions of ink that shape both figure and landscape, giving the scene a lyrical stillness that feels intimate and contemplative. The refined elegance of the composition reflects the talent that made Sohei widely admired in Kyoto and Osaka, a painter whose works were once mistaken for those of renowned Chinese masters. This piece is accompanied by an appraisal box by Tanomura Shochiku, underscoring its historical appreciation and lineage. Signed “Sohei U” with seals including “Sohei” and “Takahashi U in,” the scroll stands as a testament to the brief yet exceptional career of an artist whose sensitivity continues to resonate.

Whole dimensions: 20.8" W x 77.3" H / 53cm x 196.5cm
Inside dimensions: 12.6" W x 50.5" H / 32.1cm x 128.3cm

Material: Silk
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Wood

Weight: 720g including Appraised 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, WARP, STAIN in the back of the mounting, Worm-eaten marks.

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.

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