Lot 232: KANO TANYU (1602 - 1674): GOD OF LUCK FUKUROKUJU

Kakemono with ink on silk. Japan, 17th century. SIZE IMAGE 97 x 33,6 CM, SCROLL 168 x 46 CM
This fine kakemono is completely focused on the depiction of this popular Fukujin (god of luck. Tanyu offers us a fine aspect of walking Fukurokuju with his large bare head - the main attribute - and a full beard. Powerfully executed brushstrokes of the garment and of his walking stick finely contrast the delicate interpretation of the spiritualized character of the face. Fukurokuju is one of Japanese Seven Divinities of Good Luck (Shichi Fukujin) - the very same to the Chinese Devinity of Long Life Shoulao.- Fuku-roku-ju literally means luck - prosperity - long life. Signature: Tanyu Sai hitsu 探幽齋筆, red seal Hogen Tanyu 法眼探幽.
Brocade mounting as a hanging scroll, (Jikusaki) made from ivory.
Note: Cf. Our Catalogue "Japanese Painting 2011",no. 2, Kano Tanyu, a similarly painted Divinity of Good Luck Jurojin (with a scroll attached to his walking stick)
From a German private collection