Lot 367: Tomita Keisen (1879-1936)

Tiger and lion-dog
Each signed Keisen and sealed Enso roshu
Two paintings mounted as a two-panel screen; ink, color and gold wash on silk
Each painting 54 x 23in. (137.2 x 58.4cm.)

Tomita Keisen was one of the major artists of Kyoto in the early 20th century. His unconventional style has roots in classical traditions. Here he combines the exuberant drawing found in Nanga and Shijo paintings in a palette derived from Yamato-e and Rinpa.

For other works see Michiyo Morioka and Paul Berry, Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions, Nihonga from the Griffith and Patricia Way Collection, exh. cat. (Seattle: Seattle Art Museum, 1999), pp. 176-85.