Ko Sukoku “Oigawa River Crossing”
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Ko Sukoku “Oigawa River Crossing”
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| IItem No. | |
|---|---|
| Title | “Oigawa River Crossing” |
| Overall size | 109.5cm×162.5cm |
| Artwork size | 50.5cm×94.6cm |
| Artist | By |
| Date Created | 1801 |
| Price | ￥1,200,000（excluding tax） |
The Oigawa River, which once formed the border between Omi and Suruga and was said to be the most difficult part of the Tokaido Highway, people called “Kawagoe Hitosoku” helped people cross the river. This work depicts passengers crossing the Oigawa River.
Let’s take a look at the group crossing from the right side of the screen. Two people crossing the river on shoulders are seen right next to a man being carried on a simple stand. The way they cling to the heads of the people with anxious looks on their faces is quite humorous. The man who leads the way is carried by two men on his shoulders. He probably did not want to get his precious jacket and sword wet. Behind him, a group of men with luggage follows.
Passing them is a large palanquin being carried by six men. Inside the palanquin is a person of high rank, probably a feudal lord or a nobleman. The man peeks out from the blind and seems to be asking, “Have they arrived yet? or something like that.
Two more figures are crossing the river on horseback. This was called “horse crossing,” and only persons of the samurai class and above were allowed to cross the river.
The Hanabusa school’s distinctive style of painting is evident in the elegant use of light colors and the brush strokes that vividly depict the customs and manners of the city. The paintings are also noteworthy for the carefully rendered details, such as the facial expressions and attire of the individual figures.
This expressive painting depicts a lively scene of the Oigawa River, with passengers of various social statuses passing by. It would be fun to contemplate a trip during the Edo period while looking at this work.
Ko Sukoku (1730-1804) was a painter of the Hanabusa school. He studied under Sawaki Sushi, a pupil of Hanabusa Icho in his later years, and excelled at elegant genre paintings in the style of Itcho.
After his middle age, he broke new ground in warrior paintings, and gained popularity when he painted “Gen sanmi Yorimasa Nightmare Bird Extermination” for the Kannondo Hall of Sensoji Temple.
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.
