NAGASAWA ROSETSU (1754–1799)
Chickens and Crows
Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th century
Pair of two-panel byobu (folding screens), ink and slight colours on paper flecked with gold and silver leaf, within silk borders and a wood frame; the right screen depicting a cockerel, hen and chicks pecking for grain in a bundle of firewood, the left screen with mynah birds perched on the branches of an ancient plum tree, with signatures at right and left Rosetsu utsusu and Rosetsu kore o utsusu and round seals Gyo; the reverse of each screen attached with two sheets of three lines of Chinese poetry brushed by Sawada Toko (1732-1796), renowned for his influential calligraphy in the style of Ming-dynasty masters, each signed Toko Genrin sho and sealed Genrin no in and Bunryu. Overall: 171cm x 186.5cm (67 6/16in x 73 7/16in); the image: 155cm x 170.5cm (61in x 67 1/8in). (2).
Footnotes:
For similar depictions of, respectively, a rooster and mynah birds, compare Matthew P. McKelway and Khanh Trinh, Rosetsu: Ferocious Brush, exhibition catalogue, Zurich, Rietberg Museum, 6 September-4 November 2018, pp.144 and 202 (cat. nos.12 and 33).
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * TP
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For all other auctions: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.

Including but not limited to the following:

Each screen: overall good condition with slight soiling, rubbings, toning and fading. Scattered restored old wormage, creases and tears of various sizes and lengths here and there. Some areas re-sprinkled with kirikane and re-painted.

Wood frame slightly scratched with light scuffs.
Silk borders, slightly rubbed, faded and toned with some unrestored worm holes.

The reverse: slightly soiled all over. Scattered old tears, creases and surface paper losses. Paper along the hinges especially rubbed, creased with areas of paper losses.


Aforementioned conditions are consistent with age and are not distracting.