Kano Isenin Naganobu, Large Tiger Painting, Early 19th-Century, Silk, Framed

A truly magnificent and impressive painting by the seventh head of the Kano School, Kano Isen'in Naganobu. (1775-1828). The painting stands 173cm tall x 110 wide (68 x 43.3 inches).



Not only exceptionally decorative, this is a piece of the highest quality by an important Japanese artist. Naganobu, an official artist to the Tokugawa Shogunate, was granted the title 'hogen' ('Eye of the Law') in 1802, and was subsequently further elevated to the highest 'hoin' ('Seal of the Law') rank in 1816.



The flawless design, accomplished technique and unusually large scale give it a real sense of grandeur, it was most likely commissioned for the nobility or a monastery.



It has been incredibly well cared for over the last two centuries. Japanese paintings were designed to be rolled, stored and taken out to be enjoyed, not permanently displayed. This one still has the original signed box and rollers and appears to have spent a majority of it's life in there. Apart from some small signs of ageing to the base silk, it is in 100% perfect condition.



The colours are strong and bright with clean, opaque whites. Some slight discolouration to the silk ground. One very small area of the silk brocade (bottom left corner) is darkened, less than a cm square. In the same corner there is a small chip to the lacquer on the frame, again less than 1cm square, on the side edge not the face and another very small loss of lacquer top right (side not face).



The original box, signed Kano Naganobu, has a chip at one end. Inside is the original roller and brocade, one of the finials on the roller has come unglued. The brocade and the silk hanging tassels are in perfect condition, they look like they were made yesterday.