Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883–1959) 1953
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Find your local specialistKitaoji Rosanjin (1883–1959)
Fuji, a hekiga (wall painting), executed in lacquer and oil paint on paper with gold leaf, depicting Mount Fuji majestically soaring in the distance at sunrise, the left foreground with tall pine trees and a solitary bird perched among their branches, unsigned. 112cm x 207cm (44 1/16in x 81½in).
Footnotes
Provenance: José Manuel de Mello collection.
Originally created by the artist as a wall decoration for the dining room of the ship Andrew Dillon, a Panamanian bulk tanker, where it was installed in 1953; in 1962 the Andrew Dillon was renamed Arrian following her sale to a company in Norway; in 1971 the Arrian was purchased by the Lisnave ship repair yard near Lisbon and her name was changed again to Praia Clara; in 1980 the Praia Clara was retired and dismantled. During the dismantling operation, a site supervisor by the name of José Cabrita reported the existence of the work to José Manuel de Mello who ordered its preservation. In 2000, it was installed at the head office of de Mello's shipping company before making a triumphant homecoming in 2009 to mark the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Portugal. It has since remained in the same family and passed by descent to the current owners.
Published: Kitaoji Rosanjin on the 50th Anniversary of his Passing: Featuring a Homecoming Exhibition of his Masterpieces from Portugal, Sakura and Fuji, Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Commerce between Portugal and Japan, EMI Network Inc., Japan, December 2009.
Exhibited: Takashimaya, Tokyo, May 1953.
Takashimaya, Tokyo, December 2009–January 2010.
Takashimaya, Nagoya, February 2010–March 2010.
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