Description

円山応挙 Maruyama Okyo (1733-1795), 大田南畝 Ota Nanpo (1749-1823) Japanese antique art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / Jumping Carp and Poem with Appraised Box RD930

This scroll comes with an appraised box inscribed and signed by “弄花庵主人 Roka-an Shujin,” a cultured literati figure who provided appraisals and dedicatory inscriptions in the late Edo period.

円山応挙 Maruyama Okyo (1733-1795)
Painter of the late Edo period, founder of the Maruyama school. Initially, he learned the painting techniques of the Kano school from 石田幽汀 Ishida Yutei (1721-1786) in Kyoto. He left behind ink paintings with the sharp brushwork and broken ink style characteristic of the Kano School, as well as works influenced by Western-style painting. Later, he created a unique, plain Okyo style that skillfully combined decorative elements with smooth lines and sketchy elements. In particular, he skillfully depicted a wide variety of subjects, including Sansui landscapes, flowers and birds, and figures, and many of his large paintings, such as fusuma paintings and folding screens, are masterpieces. Many painters gathered under his tutelage and formed the Maruyama School.

Age: 1786 January / 天明丙午孟春
with signature 'Okyo' 應挙 and seal 'Okyo no in' 應挙 之 印 'Chusen' 仲選

大田南畝 Ota Nanpo (1749-1823)
A representative literati and kyōka poet of the Tenmei period, and a samurai retainer. While serving as a shogunate official at the accounting office and rising to the position of chief accountant, he also gained high renown in literary pursuits. Alongside leaving behind a vast quantity of essays, he excelled in kyōka, satirical books, Chinese poetry and prose, and kyōshi. He was particularly renowned for his kyōka, being counted among the Three Great Masters of Kyōka alongside Karakura Tachibana and Shuraku Sugae. The group of kyōka poets centred around Nanpō was known as the Yamate-ren (Yamate Circle).

with signature 'Kyokaen' 杏花園 and seal 'Nanpo' 南畝

A remarkable collaborative hanging scroll by Maruyama Okyo (1733–1795) and the celebrated Edo-period literatus Ota Nanpo (1749–1823). Painted in the first month of 1786 (Tenmei 6, “Mengchun”), this work presents Okyo’s masterful depiction of a leaping carp, rendered with his trademark realism and subtle shading, accompanied by an elegant poem written by Nanpo under his literary name Kyokaen. Both artists added their signatures and seals: Okyo with “Okyo” and the seals “Okyo no in / Chusen”, and Nanpo with “Kyokaen” and the seal “Nanpo.” The composition captures a dynamic moment—an energetic carp rising through rippling water—symbolizing perseverance, good fortune, and success, themes highly appreciated among Edo-period scholars and aesthetes. Nanpo’s refined calligraphy harmonizes beautifully with Okyo’s naturalistic brushwork, forming a rare and desirable pairing of painting and literature. This scroll is accompanied by an appraised box written by “Roka-an Shujin” (弄花庵主人), an Edo-period connoisseur known for providing authoritative box inscriptions. His appraisal adds historical weight and ensures the work’s long-standing appreciation and careful preservation. A fine example of late-Edo collaborative art, combining the technical brilliance of Okyo with the poetic sophistication of Ota Nanpo—highly recommended for collectors seeking works with strong provenance and cultural significance.

Whole dimensions: 32.2" W x 68.3" H / 82cm x 173.7cm
Inside dimensions: 27.9" W x 32.6" H / 71.1cm x 83cm

Material: Silk
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Pottery

Weight: 1220g 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, CREASE, DAMAGE a little, FOLD, HOLE, STAIN DAMAGE in the back of the mounting, Box Damage.

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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