<b>SHOREBIRDS</b> / Chiura Obata20th Century$800</em>
ARTIST: Chiura Obata (1885-1975)
TITLE: Shorebirds
MEDIUM: Sumi on paper
DATE: 20th century
DIMENSIONS: 11 x 16 inches
CONDITION: Excellent, minor rust stain on reverse showing through the front
NOTE: Not signed
PROVENANCE: Purchased from Obata’s next-door neighbor in Berkeley, CA
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$800.00
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Details
A flock of shorebirds finds themselves on the coast. The birds are grouped in a peculiar pattern, where eight of them in formation face off with a lone bird who is positioned directly in front of them. This charming composition is as playful as it is psychological. Much like traditional Zenga, this painting is executed with an economy of brushstrokes, where the negative space within the composition births the work.
Connoisseur's Note
Though unsigned, the work is in Obata’s unmistakable hand. This painting was acquired from Obata’s next-door neighbor in Berkeley, California. Not unusual, Obata was quite generous with his artwork and often gifted his original work to friends, students, and neighbors.
