Japan, ca. early 1800s. A finely executed painting by Yoshimura Kōkei (1769-1836) from the late Edo Period. Features a wonderful small bat with spread wings in ink and watercolor on silk fan-shaped panel. Born in Kyoto, and the son of the painter Yoshimura Ranshū, Kōkei was a member of the Maruyama-Shijō school. He gained recognition during his lifetime and was praised as a master of flower / bird painting (kachō-ga). Kōkei was also versed in painting tigers; however, since it was not easy to observe real tigers, many of his depictions are actually based on house cats.

Presented as found in a vintage lacquered frame that most likely dates to the late 1940s or 1950s. (Of poignant historical note - TZ Shiota was forced to suspend operation during WWII with the US Government’s internment of Japanese-American citizens. The family business was fortunately able to reopen on Sutter Street in 1946.)

Overall excellent antique condition.

Dimensions: 22” wide x 11.75” high x .5” deep.