Nishiyama Kan’ei “Three Shrines（Sanja）”

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IItem No.
Title	“Three Shrines （Sanja）”
Overall size	156.0cm×102.0cm
Artwork size	49.5cm×85.2cm
Artist	By Nishiyama Kan'ei (1834-1897)
Date Created	1834-1897
Price	￥750,000（excluding tax）

　“Sanja” refers to three Shrines: Ise Jingu Shrine, Ishimizu Hachimangu Shrine, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine (or Kamo Shrine).
　The Ise Shrine is depicted in the center of the screen with the rising sun in the background. The symbol of the shrine, a chicken, is also depicted. Next, in the lower left is Kasuga Taisha Shrine in autumn, with its brightly colored autumn leaves. Under the torii gate are two deer, probably a pair. Finally, in the lower right is Ishimizu Hachimangu Shrine with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Two doves, symbolizing the shrine, are flying overhead.

　Overall, the scene is painted in the Yamato-e style. The colors of the paints are excellent, and the work is extremely beautifully finished.　
　The autumn leaves are well balanced in vermilion, orange, and yellow. The overlapping of leaves is skillfully expressed. Trees such as pine trees are colored darker green as they get closer to the center, giving them a three-dimensional effect. Furthermore, the entire painting is covered in gold powder, which is both elegant and luxurious, suggesting that this was a special order.
　Although Kan’ei is known as a painter of the Shijo School, this painting shows that he was also highly trained in Yamato-e.

　Nishiyama Kan’ei (1834-1897) was a Confucian scholar active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era. He studied Confucianism under Goto Shoinand painting under his father, Hoen.
　Nishiyama and his son were featured in the special exhibition, “Enjoy the Naniwa-Fuzei: The Genealogy of the Osaka Shijo School,” and in recent years they have been recognized as representative Shijo School painters of Osaka in modern period.

As an antique, it may have some scratches or blemishes. We recommend that you visit our store to check the condition.
If you wish, we will send you detailed photos of the item, so please feel free to contact us.