Hand-Painted Paintings and Screens

< This work is inspired by traditional Japanese natural symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers. It is elegantly framed with...

< This work uses a vintage kimono fabric with marble pattern, that makes it look like a real piece of marble. The line in the middle symbolizes “kintsugi” - concept of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of aging. It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury. I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece. << Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors Kintsugi (金継ぎ), which translates to "golden joinery" or "golden repair," is a traditional Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. I used this tecnique here to "repair" antique kimono by transforming it into art work. Beyond its literal meaning of mending broken ceramics, kintsugi carries profound philosophical and cultural significance in Japanese tradition: ・Embracing Imperfection: Kintsugi celebrates imperfection and impermanence. Rather than disguising or concealing flaws, it highlights them, treating the breakage as part of the object's history. This philosophy encourages acceptance of imperfection as an essential aspect of life, beauty, and human experience. ・Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic: Kintsugi embodies the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Wabi-sabi values simplicity, authenticity, and the beauty of things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. Kintsugi exemplifies these principles by turning what might be considered flaws into features that enhance the object's beauty and character. ・Resilience and Transformation: The act of repairing broken things with precious metals symbolizes resilience and transformation. Instead of discarding or replacing the broken object, kintsugi honors its history and transforms it into something new and valuable. This reflects broader philosophical themes of overcoming adversity, finding beauty in imperfection, and embracing change. ・Honoring the Past: Kintsugi preserves and honors the history of the object. Rather than erasing or ignoring its past, it acknowledges and celebrates it. This aspect of kintsugi can be seen as a metaphor for honoring our own personal histories, including the challenges and setbacks we have faced, and recognizing how they have shaped us into who we are today. ・Spiritual and Philosophical Symbolism: Kintsugi has spiritual and philosophical implications, reflecting concepts such as the interconnectedness of all things, the cycle of life and death, and the pursuit of harmony and balance. The process of repairing broken objects with precious metals is seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth, enlightenment, and the journey towards wholeness. Overall, kintsugi represents not only a practical technique for repairing ceramics but also a profound philosophical and cultural perspective on life, beauty, and the human experience. It embodies values such as resilience, acceptance, and the transformative power of embracing imperfection. << Characteristics of the fabric This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional painting technique where the colors are added on wet surface, which creates an effect of marble. << About the frame Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos. Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments. During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...

This framed Hindu Calendar is a 'Kamasan' cotton textile painting from Bali, Indonesia. It features a black wood frame and glass front. Along the bottom there are two "Naga" dragons ...

This work uses an antique tomesode (festive kind of kimono) with fern design to evoke feelings of tranquility, harmony, and appreciation for the beauty of the environment. Can be used both vertically and horizontally. It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury. I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece. << Explanation of colors and patterns In Japanese traditional culture, ferns, particularly the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum), hold several meanings and symbolisms: ・Elegance and Beauty: Ferns are admired for their graceful, delicate appearance and intricate leaf patterns. In Japanese aesthetics, they are appreciated for their natural beauty and are often used in gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements to add a sense of refinement and elegance. ・Resilience and Perseverance: Ferns are known for their ability to thrive in diverse environments, including shady forests, rocky cliffs, and damp soil. Their resilience in the face of challenging conditions is seen as a symbol of endurance and perseverance. In Japanese culture, ferns may represent the ability to overcome adversity and flourish despite obstacles. ・Connection to Nature and Tranquility: Ferns are native to forested areas and are often associated with the natural world. In Japanese traditional culture, they symbolize a deep connection to nature and the importance of maintaining harmony with the environment. The lush green foliage of ferns evokes feelings of tranquility and peacefulness, making them popular motifs in Zen gardens and traditional landscape paintings. ・Purity and Simplicity: Ferns are emblematic of simplicity and purity in Japanese aesthetics. Their unassuming beauty and understated elegance reflect the principles of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic worldview that values imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Ferns may be used in tea ceremonies, Ikebana (flower arranging), and other traditional arts to evoke a sense of tranquility and appreciation for life's fleeting moments. Overall, ferns in Japanese traditional culture symbolize elegance, resilience, connection to nature, purity, and simplicity. Their presence in art, literature, and landscape design underscores their enduring significance as symbols of natural beauty and spiritual resonance. << Characteristics of the fabric This vintage textile is hand-painted with a traditional Japanese technique called "yuzen". << About the frame Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos. Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments. During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...

This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature motifs symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers. It is elegantly framed with pau...

[Story behind the work] This work is inspired by traditional Japanese nature motifs symbolism, and is framed in paulownia wood originally used for a kimono chest-of-drawers. It is elegantly framed with paulownia wood originally used for kimono chest-of-drawers, and is filled with storytelling and sense of luxury. In this artwork, the aim was to capture the the auspicious symbol of camellia used in antique kimono. Traditional Japanese culture, represented by the kimono, and wood, an integral element of Japanese craftsmanship, were used to bring this vision to life. I used pieces of kimono that could no longer be used as clothing and kiritansu chest-of-drawers that would normally be discarded to create the ultimate upcycled piece. [Explanation and meaning of pattern and colors] This delicate piece features hand-drawn camellia motifs flowing gracefully on a softly brightened grayish background. Camellias, native to Japan, bloom from winter to early spring. As an evergreen tree with green leaves throughout the year, it symbolizes the anticipation of spring and is considered an auspicious plant. Due to its seasonal significance and auspicious meanings, camellias have been used as motifs symbolizing good fortune. Additionally, they were highly valued for their use in oil, cosmetics, and medicine, representing nobility. Believed to possess the power to ward off misfortune, camellias also carry the meaning of "protection from calamity" and have strong ties to traditional ceremonies. In this artwork, camellias are delicately depicted alongside flowing branches, subtly representing good fortune with their pale pink and white hues. "Sora-iro nezumi 空色鼠" refers to a light grayish color with a hint of blue, reminiscent of the slightly brightened sky on a lightly cloudy day. Popular during the late Edo period (19th cent.), it elegantly captures the slightly brighter sky pattern seen on lightly overcast days. Notably, the term "nezumi-iro" (mouse gray), popular during the late Edo period, was paired with brown tones, collectively known as "Forty-eight Teas and a Hundred Mice 四十八茶百鼠." Colors within the "nezumi" (gray) spectrum, particularly "sora-iro nezumi," were favored by young people for their cool and sophisticated appeal. [Characteristics of the fabric] The fabric features intricately woven patterns that reveal subtle gradations through dyeing, creating a grid pattern that transforms depending on the light conditions. Originally, this fabric was part of a formal kimono known as a "hōmongi 訪問着," featuring motifs along the hem, shoulders, and sleeves. These motifs have been carefully selected and combined to create a unified piece of artwork. [About the frame] Kiritansu - chest-of-drawers for kimono, is traditionally made from paulownia wood, a uniquely Japanese material closely tied to the world of kimonos. Paulownia wood is known as the lightest wood in Japan, prased for its natural luster, resistance to moisture, and resilience against cracking. Since ancient times, it has been used in crafting furniture, chests, and musical instruments. During the Edo period, it became customary to store cherished kimonos in paulownia chests...

This product is a set of French 18th century oil on canvas paintings depicting courting scenes. Each painting captures romantic moments from the era, showcasing intricate details and...

Meiji period (1868 - 1912) painting of a family of deer exploring the grassy and rocky shoreline of a meandering creek under the moonlight. Shijo School ink painting with minimal pi...

Antique Chinese ancestor portrait on canvas, Qing dynasty, showing the patriarch and the matriarch Portrait with nice, faded, warm ...

This 19th-century insect illustration showcases the intricate beauty and complexity of its subject with extraordinary detail. The artist’s precise rendering captures every nuance, fr...

A beautiful original oil painting by well known artist Genevieve Dael (French, born 1947). This is extremely well executed, it depicts a couple in a mysterious and atmospheric scene. This was created in 1993 and was originally in the Francis Kyle...

Circle of Willem Wissing Oil on canvas in its original frame Canvas size 65x75cm = 25.5”x29.5" Including frame 82x93cm = 32”x36.5" The oil painting is in excellent condition. Fr...

19th Century Chinese Qing Dynasty Reverse Painted Mirror depicting a Court Scene. Featuring four ladies in traditional garments, including one fishing, along with a bridge to the cen...

1950s Indian Mughal gouache colorful paper drawing of a hunting party on an antique court fee stamp official paper of the state of Jaipur. Part of a l...

Torii School Head 7th Generation [4th Generation Torii Kiyotada] Silk Painted Scroll, Festival, Sword, May Silk Painted Scroll head: Ceramic box: Paulownia　wood Size: Painting size: 330 (W) x 1130 (H) [mm] Scroll: 360 (W) x 2000 (H) [mm] Box size: 70 x 70 x 435 mm, 600g A large composition depicting a Japanese sword It is thought to represent the May festival Sekku (seasonal festival) means a day that is a turning point in the season, or a traditional event that is held on that day.  Held in May, old weapons...

This fine 19th-century bird portrait beautifully captures the elegance and intricate details of its avian subject. The artist’s delicate brushwork and vi...

This timeless 19th-century bird illustration beautifully captures the delicate elegance and distinctive features of its avian subject. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail is ...

This pair of reverse glass paintings are truly one-of-a-Kind pieces. The scene has been beautifully rendered, with great attention paid to detail. These piece were created in China d...

This exquisite 19th-century bird painting captures the elegance and vibrant beauty of its subject with remarkable detail and artistry. The artist’s meticulous attention to the bird’s...

1970s Indian paper drawing of a palace, part of a large private collection.

Chinese School landscape ink painting on gilded silk by Yukimatsu Shunpo, signed and dated 1924. Yukimatsu Shunpo was born in Oita in 1897 and studied under Himejima Chikugai in Osak...

This unique 19th-century hand-painted collection features a captivating quartet of animals: a lion, pig, dog, and monkey. Each creature is brought to life with remarkable detail and ...

This captivating set of 19th-century paintings showcases a diverse array of animals—a dog, pig, cheetah, and monkey—each rendered with exceptional detail and artistry. The artist ski...

1970s Indian Mughal gouache paper drawing depicting military horsemen. Part of a larger private collection.        

This intricate 19th-century illustration of a large bug showcases the remarkable detail and artistry characteristic of entomological studies of the era. The artist’s precise renderin...

A Charming Late C19th to Early C20th Chinese Gouache Painting on Pith Paper. Featuring an array of colourful Koi Carp swimming amongst reeds. Nicely executed with wonderful strong co...

This striking 19th-century bird illustration captures the grace and detail of its avian subject with exceptional artistry. The artist’s meticulous attention to feather patterns, colo...

This exquisite 19th-century botanical painting beautifully captures the delicate details and vibrant colors of a single flower. The artist's meticulous attention to the petals, leave...

This vibrant 19th-century parrot portrait captures the striking beauty and vivid colors of one of nature’s most exotic birds. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail showcases th...

This graceful 19th-century cat portrait captures the elegance and charm of its feline subject with remarkable detail and artistry. The artist’s skillful br...

This beautiful 19th-century bird painting showcases the artist's exceptional talent in capturing the essence of avian beauty. Every detail, from the intricate feather patterns to the...

This rare 19th-century penguin study captures the unique charm and distinctive features of this Antarctic bird with exceptional attention to detail. The artist's skillful brushwork a...

This beautiful 19th-century bird portrait captures the elegance and vibrant detail of its avian subject with exceptional artistry. The artist’s precise b...

This elegant 19th-century bird painting exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic sensitivity of the era. The artist has captured the bird in stunning detail, from the de...

This remarkable 19th-century animal painting captures the essence and character of its subject with exceptional detail and artistry. The artist’s skillful use of color and texture br...

This striking 19th-century painting of a red bird captures the vivid beauty and elegance of its subject with exceptional detail. The artist's masterful use of rich, red hues and fine...

This masterful 19th-century bird study captures the elegance and natural beauty of its subject with extraordinary detail and vivid color. The artist's delicate brushwork and keen obs...

1970s Indian paper drawing of a goat, part of a large private collection. Dimensions with frame: 35 x 26 cm.

This elegant 19th-century artwork features a beautifully detailed pair of pheasants, capturing their graceful posture and vibrant plumage with remarkable artistry. The artist’s skill...

This impressive 19th-century armadillo portrait captures the distinct characteristics of this fascinating creature with meticulous detail. The artist’s skillful rendering highlights the armadillo’s large, segmented armor, unique texture, and characteristic stance, showcasing both scientific accuracy and artistic flair. Reflecting the era’s fascination with exotic wildlife, this artwork combines a detailed study of the animal’s anatomy with a refined artistic approach. Ideal for collectors and enthusiasts of natural history, this painting offers a striking and comprehensive view of the armadillo, celebrating its role in 19th-century wildlife art.

This elegant 19th-century bird illustration captures the grace and beauty of its avian subject with stunning detail and artistry. The artist’s delicate brushstrokes and vibrant color...

This captivating 19th-century armadillo painting offers a detailed and lifelike portrayal of this unique creature. The artist’s careful attention to the armadillo's textured armor an...

This captivating 19th-century insect painting showcases the intricate beauty of its subject with remarkable precision. The artist has meticulously rendered every detail, from the del...