LOT 58  MARUYAMA ŌKYO (1733 — 1795) Puppies  

TA 5% Vat. MARUYAMA ŌKYO (1733 — 1795) Puppies Edo period, 18th century A Japanese hanging sc...

TA 5% Vat. MARUYAMA ŌKYO (1733 — 1795) Puppies Edo period, 18th century A Japanese hanging scroll painting, kakejiku , ink and colour on silk, depicting two puppies playing with an old fan, the third dog observing a cherry blossom on the ground next to him, signed Ōkyo, sealed Ōkyo/ Chūsen. Image 112.7 x 47.6cm; total 201cm x 60.5cm Provenance: the Claudio Perino Collection, Turin, acquired mostly in Japan in early 2000s. Exhibited: MAO Museo d'Arte Orientale, Turin, and MUSEC Museo delle Culture, Lugano, 2020 - 2022. Literature: the exhibition catalogue Kakemono, Five centiuries of Japanese painting. The Perino Collection , p. 122, no 104. Maruyama Ōkyo barely needs an introduction to anyone familiar with Japanese art. This artistic titan came from a humble background and came to Kyoto to work for the rapidly developing merchant class. His inspiration was equally drawn from a fascination with Western art, the classical Chinese works, the Kanō school legacy and most of all- nature itself. This fascination with nature drew criticism of his work described by Ōkyo's competitors as ‘undignified’. Despite the negative voices, he was clearly successful enough to eventually paint for the aristocracy and even the Emperor himself. The school he established in Kyoto was one of the most influential workshops with many students including Ōkyo’s son, Maruyama Ōzui. This gentle work depicts a charming group of puppies clumsily playing with discarded items. The realistic treatment of their expressions and appearance suggests it may have been a result of observing living animals. In Japan dogs symbolise multiple offspring and easy birth, perhaps this scroll was commissioned by a wealthy merchant as a wedding gift or an expression of hope for a big family. This lot has been imported from outside the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission (TA) regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. Standard VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium. Buyers are invited to familiarise themselves with these rules prior to bidding.