Exceptional And Unique Old Edo Period Painting 1793 By Rantokusai Shundo

Exceptional and unique old painting from the Edo period (18th century) on mother-of-pearl paper roll, painted by the artist 蘭徳斎春堂 “Rantokusai Shundo”, dated February 25, 1793.

This old painting on mother-of-pearl paper roll, called : "Nikuhitsu Emakimono" (肉筆絵巻物) represents the many objects and attire specific to Japanese warriors (Samurai), helmets, masks, armor, sabers, scabbards, arrows, bows, quivers, spears of all kinds, muskets, leather shoes. 'bears, banners, decorations of helmets, etc., etc...

The brush stroke is precise and meticulous and the objects (Bugu) are painted with colors produced using numerous mineral pigments, the fruit of labor long-term research of the artist. Each object is accompanied by precise descriptions, painted with a brush in black ink.

At the end of the roll, the artist affixed his signature, either Rantokusai Shundo (蘭徳斎春堂) as well as the date of its creation, i.e. February 25, 1793 (Kansei 5), followed by a red square stamp .

"Rantokusai Shundo" also called "Katsukawa Shundo" was active between: 1772 and 1801 and was a student of Shunsho, (勝川春章1726-1792) great and former master of the Edo period (Tenmei era), of the Ukiyo-e（浮世絵 school. Shundo was a great specialist in the representations of Kabuki actors in their theatrical roles and participated in the illustration of numerous works.

Some of his works are in the British Museum in London, as well as in the library of Waseda (Tokyo). A few scrolls describing historical episodes or stories are also present in the BNF collections, visible on Gallica.

These are rare pieces.

Characteristics of the roll :

Length: approximately 5.27m
Width with end caps: approximately 25.7cm
Width without end caps: approximately 24.3cm
2 sculpted and polished horn ends

The roll is in excellent condition with some stains and 1 small burn 5mm in diameter and in its original protective box in Kiri (in Paulownia).