<b>SQUIRREL</b> / Chiura Obata20th CenturyRESERVED</em>
ARTIST: Chiura Obata (1885-1975)
TITLE: Squirrel
MEDIUM: Sumi on paper
DATE: 20th century
DIMENSIONS: 16 x 11 inches
CONDITION: Excellent
NOTE: Not signed
PROVENANCE: Purchased from Obata’s next-door neighbor in Berkeley CA
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$800.00 <RESERVED>
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Details
An attentive squirrel sits up, enjoying the meal of an acorn. The squirrel is perched upon a rock with foliage at its side, suggesting the scene might take place in a park or forest. Much like traditional Zenga, this painting is executed with an economy of brushstrokes, where the negative space within the composition births the work. The rock-like structure the squirrel is perched on appears curiously enough like the traditional depictions of the bag carried by the god of happiness, Hotei. It is said the cloth bag he carries contains all sorts of precious things, including gifts of good fortune such as delicious treats.
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.
