Large Signed Japanese Silk Painting of a Geisha with Fan, c. 1930–60
Large Signed Japanese Silk Painting of a Geisha with Fan, c. 1930–60
This is a mid-20th-century Japanese painting on silk, executed in the *Nihonga* (Japanese painting) style. The genre is *Bijin-ga*, which translates to "pictures of beautiful women." While Westerners often group all such images as "Geisha," the woman depicted is likely a high-class entertainer or a idealized beauty. She is wearing a blue kimono decorated with white Hibiscus (or potentially Hollyhock) flowers and maple leaves, holding a gold folding fan (*sensu*). The painting is signed by the artist (the first character is 秀, "Hide" or "Shu") and stamped with a red seal.
Size: 41 x 109 cm framed.
A serene, elegant statement piece that bridges traditional Nihonga technique and modern Shōwa aesthetics.
Our price reflects condition; conservation and UV‑safe reframing can be arranged on request.
Condition: Silk shows overall age toning with a noticeable water tide/tea stain in the upper right field and a light vertical discoloration at upper left. A few tiny fox marks; minor dust beneath glass. No obvious paint loss. Frame is serviceable but scuffed.
Origin: Japan
Time Period: 1930–50
Historical Context
Historical Context
The subject belongs to the bijin‑ga tradition—portraits of elegant women that were central to late Meiji–Taishō–Shōwa Japanese art. From the 1910s–40s many painters working in the Nihonga/Shin‑hanga circles produced refined images like this for both the domestic and export markets. The signature reads Shūhō, a name used by several 20th‑century artists; the style is close to works by the Yamakawa Shūhō circle (1898–1944), known for graceful, modern bijin with delicate gofun whites and soft mineral pigments.
The framer’s label on the reverse, W. Frank Gadsby Ltd., Leicester (a Fine Art Trade Guild member), suggests the work was imported to the UK and framed mid‑20th century (c. 1950s–60s).
Delivery Information
Delivery Information
Local Deliveries of Large Items (Furniture etc)
We'll happily deliver large items to you within a 20 miles radius of TF10. Please feel free to contact us if you're outside this area as we may still be able to accommodate you.
Collection (Yourself or own Courier)
Items can be collected directly from our premises by prior arrangement. Please contact us to organise this.
Specialist Courier
Antiques & delicate Vintages items are not able to be shipped using standard couriers and require specialist carriers.
Delivery for smaller items is typically 2-3 days, and larger items of furniture 5-7 days.
Delivery cost is calculated at checkout based on item size and distance.
International
Please contact us and we'll tailor a solution specific to your requirements.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Share
