Shabaku Sold at Auction Prices

Scroll Painting "Lucky Gods Ebisu and Daikoku", Taisho

Ink and watercolour on silk Japan, Taisho period (1912-1926) Artist seal and signature "Gessen" lower right in the picture Colourful depiction of the Gods of Fortune Ebisu and Daikoku Mounted on paper with a silk brocade frame, bone handles Labels and inscription on the back on the mounting Overall measurements: 205 x 52 cm (height x width) Painting: 119.5 x 40 cm Good condition Provenance: from a German private collection This Japanese scroll painting originates from Taisho period (1912-1926). It shows two of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi Fukujin). Daikoku, the god of wealth, is wearing a blue garment and carrying his luck hammer over his right shoulder. Ebisu, the god of fishers, stands in front of Daikoku with a big smile on his face. Daikoku and Ebisu are often paired together as they are regarded as father and son. Both gods have long earlobes, a mark of the immortal. The upper area of the painting shows a branch, with the sun rising in the background. The gods are performing a good-luck dance known as manzai, dancing into the morning hours. The scroll painting is mounted on paper with a silk brocade frame. The artist's seal and signature "Gessen" are found lower right. Labels and inscriptions are seen on the back on the mounting. The work is in good condition with merely light traces of age and wear, such as minor stains on the back, creases, torn edges and small imperfections here and there. The upper mounting is slightly torn and partly restored around the hanging mount. The overall measurements are 205 x 52 cm and the painting measures 119.5 x 40 cm.