Kakemono Dragon with Spread Claws and Inscription

One of a kind — this work exists only once.

Period:
Shôwa (1926–1989)
Dimensions (height x width):
180 x 49 cm
Item number:
5974

This piece has been sold.

Sold – no longer available

This piece was a handmade one-of-a-kind work. It cannot be reordered and will never exist in this form again. The page stays online as part of our archive.

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Details about the sold piece

  • JikusakiWood
  • Material HonshiPaper
  • MotifMythology
  • TechniqueHand-Painted

Description

From dense, swirling banks of clouds emerges the head of a dragon, its claws spread wide, its gaze directed penetratingly at the viewer – a motif that in both Japanese and Chinese pictorial tradition stands for power, wisdom, and the transition between the elements of water and sky. The ink technique thrives on strong contrasts: darkly saturated cloud passages meet bright, reserved areas, creating an impression of constant movement and energy.

To the right of the figure, a calligraphic inscription with seals completes the composition, as is often the case in classical ink painting. The work is executed on paper and dates from the Shôwa period; the scroll mounting is fitted with jikusaki ends made of wood.

As a powerful wall hanging in the tokonoma or as an unusual, mythologically charged accent in a modern interior, this kakemono unfolds its expressive effect.

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