Antique Japanese Kakejiku (Hanging Scroll) – Pair of Cranes Beneath a Pine Tree (Shōkakuzu) Painting on Silk – Shōwa Era – Signed

Features

Subject: two cranes under a pine tree and red sun, Shōkakuzu 松鶴図
Technique: ink and colors on silk, kenpon chakushoku 絹本着色
Medium: painted silk
Artwork: nikuhitsu 肉筆, hand-painted, not printed
Artist: unidentified artist
Signature: undeciphered handwritten signature
Seal: artist's red seal
Estimated period: Japan, 20th century, probably Shōwa era
Mounting: traditional hyōsō 表装 with patterned silk brocade
Roller ends: jikusaki 軸先 clear, probably imitation ivory resin.
Format of the painted part (honshi): classic vertical format
Dimensions: 187 cm × 54 cm

Description

Beautiful Japanese kakejiku/kakemono from the 20th century, signed by an unidentified artist, probably made during the Shōwa era.

The artwork depicts a pair of cranes under a pine tree, accompanied by a large red sun. This traditional composition, called Shōkakuzu 松鶴図, combines the tsuru 鶴 (cranes) and the matsu 松 (pine), auspicious motifs in Japanese art. Near the water, the birds stand out against the gnarled trunk and dark branches. All of this takes place under a magnificent orange-red sun. The scene evokes longevity, fidelity, and harmony.

Hand-painted on silk using the kenpon chakushoku 絹本着色 technique, colors and ink on silk. The white plumage and the nuances of the pine in wash reveal precise and delicate work.

The mounting is particularly elegant, with a traditional hyōsō 表装 in beige and gold silk brocade with medallion patterns. The honshi 本紙, which is the painted part, is highlighted by thin floral bands ichimonji 一文字. The two fūtai 風帯 hanging at the top, the suspension cord, and the lower roller harmoniously complete the whole.

Condition

Good overall condition for a 20th-century piece.

The painting is in good condition, especially the cranes, the pine, the sun, the signature, and the seal. Note some foxing spots on the bottom of the second crane. The honshi also shows some foxing spots, browning, and visible signs of age. The textile mounting shows some creases and tears in its upper part at the hasso bar. The reverse side has old traces, without preventing display. The defects are photographed and contribute to the object's history. Handle with care, like any old kakejiku.

🦝 We love

We love its red sun, a symbol of Japan, the finesse of the two cranes, and the presence of the very well-rendered Japanese pine! The contrast between the white birds, the dark trunk, and the golden tones of the brocade brings great elegance. Its generous format dresses a wall and creates a Japanese atmosphere. An original painting from the Shōwa era, decorative and full of character. And then kakejiku are impressive: once hung, this one doesn't go unnoticed!

👉 Find this piece alongside other treasures in our collection Japanese Decoration & Art Objects.