Description

Attributed to 葛飾北斎 Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) Japanese antique art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / 武蔵坊弁慶 Musashibo Benkei Gazing up Moon and Smiling, Flying Bat with Double Box RE635

葛飾北斎 Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)
Ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period. Born in Honjo, Edo, he is a world-famous painter whose representative works include "36 Views of Mount Fuji" and "Hokusai Manga. Hokusai was a man of many eccentricities and anecdotes, having moved more than 90 times. He changed his name as often as 30 times in his life. He painted all kinds of things and produced more than 30,000 works in his lifetime. He was ambitious from a young age, and was outstanding in ukiyoe (woodblock prints) as well as prints. However, Hokusai's status as a painter was not only solidified with the publication of "36 Views of Mount Fuji," but he also opened up a new side to landscape painting. Hokusai's achievements were truly huge peaks in Ukiyoe, but his mastery of description and quick brushwork can also be seen in the Hokusai Manga. In addition, he discovered a new approach to the art of yomihon (reading books) and illustration, published many picture books including "Hokusai Manga," and used his skill in drawing forms with a brush to spread painting techniques and educate the general public. He became the founder of the Katsushika School, and later influenced artists of the Impressionist school such as Vincent van Gogh, as well as craftsmen and musicians.

武蔵坊弁慶 Musashibo Benkei (?-1189)
A monk soldier in the late Heian period. He is said to have met Yoshitsune at the Gojo Bridge and served him until the end. When Yoshitsune was attacked in Koromo River by enemies, Benkei defeated many enemy soldiers one after another, but finally died standing on his knees with his naginata as a staff after being hit by countless arrows.

with signature 'Zen Hokusai Aratame Manji hitsu 83 years old' 前北斎改 卍筆 齢八十三歳 and seal 'Hyaku' 百

The warm, burnished tones of the background give this scene an immediate glow, setting off the richly colored armor of Musashibō Benkei as he pauses on the bridge and lifts his gaze toward the moon. In this hanging scroll attributed to Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), the interplay of deep greens, reds, and blacks creates a vivid presence, while the pale moon above—crossed by a single bat—adds a touch of quiet humor to Benkei’s upward smile. The composition carries the brisk assurance characteristic of Hokusai’s late brushwork, where bold outlines and swift shading give the figure both weight and movement. His inscription “Zen Hokusai aratame Manji hitsu, age 83” and the seal “Hyaku” appear with the confidence of an artist still exploring new modes of expression late in life. The scroll is fitted with elegant maki‑e lacquered end caps, their gold floral patterns adding a refined contrast to the warrior’s rugged form. It is housed in a double box, underscoring the care with which the work has been preserved. Together, these elements give the piece a striking presence—part theatrical, part contemplative—capturing a moment where strength, humor, and moonlit stillness meet in a way only Hokusai could shape.

Whole dimensions: 23.4" W x 75.9" H / 59.6cm x 193cm
Inside dimensions: 18.7" W x 42.5" H / 47.5cm x 108cm

Material: Silk
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Makie Lacquered Wood

Weight: 1650g including Double 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 a little, DAMAGE a little, WARP, STAIN 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 AIR PACKET, EMS, or DHL.