<b>PATHWAY TO THE SUMMIT, FUJIYAMA (Scroll)</b> / Hiroshi Yoshidac. 1940s$10,000</em>
ARTIST: Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950)
TITLE: Pathway to the Summit, Fujiyama (Scroll)
DATE: c.1940s
MEDIUM: Sumi on silk
DIMENSIONS: 83 x 22 inches (entire scroll); 49 x 16 1/4 (image) inches
CONDITION: Excellent
NOTE: Mounted as a kakemono scroll
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$10,000.00
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Details
This magnificent design of Mt. Fuji is rendered in a rather convincing wash of gray sumi ink. The composition is straightforward, laying out a path to the majestic mountain’s submit. Despite the composition's simplicity, the artist has added a highly realistic atmospheric element to the composition, where a snow-ladened cloud appears to meander up the path providing a foreboding sense of caution. This cloud is reminiscent of dragon-shaped clouds that were often depicted around Mt. Fuji. The Edo period artist Hokusai and his famous manga print of Mt. Fuji and dragon come to mind. As an avid mountaineer, Hiroshi Yoshida may have added this striking effect as a word of caution. As any good mountaineer knows, even the simplest of climbs possess danger, and yet that is where the prize of any good climb lies.
Connoisseur's Note
Original works by the artist are quite rare. Further still, Hiroshi Yoshida print collectors have now turned to the artist’s original works to fill out their collections. Consequently, Yoshida's paintings have become quite scarce in the marketplace. When they do emerge, they command twice to three times the amount they were selling for only a couple of years ago.
This large-scale sumi on silk painting is in excellent condition and is signed in the artist’s distinct signature and seal at the lower left.
