Samurai Takami Senseki Portrait After Watanabe Kazan Dutch Oil Painting Framed

Description

A reproduction portrait of Takami Senseki (1785–1858), a top-ranking samurai official of Koga domain, Shimosa province, who was posted in the capital of Edo (now Tokyo). It was painted by Watanabe Kazan (1793–1841), a retainer of Tahara domain, Mikawa province. Senseki was Kazan’s senior in Western studies and although their respective domains were of different sizes, they shared a close relationship through their mutual concern for Japan’s future.
The inscription on this portrait of Senseki dates it to the 15th day of the 4th month of 1837. Doi Toshitsura, who was Senseki’s lord and serving as the keeper of Osaka Castle, suppressed the rebellion of Oshio Heihachiro. Senseki went to his lord’s family temple, Seiganji in Edo, in place of his lord in order to convey the news. On his return, he visited Kazan, which is when Kanzan created this portrait of him in formal attire

Watanabe Kazan, original name Watanabe Sadayasu (born Oct. 20, 1793, Edo [now Tokyo], Japan—died Nov. 23, 1841, Tahara), Japanese scholar and painter noted for his character-revealing portraits and his pioneering efforts in adapting Western perspective to Japanese art.

The son of a poor retainer of a lesser lord, Watanabe studied painting to earn a living. In 1832 Watanabe, who was in the service of Lord Tawara of Mikawa, was sent to an important post at Edo (now Tokyo). He also was put in charge of coastal defense for his province.

Condition

Very Good; Gently Used

Dimensions

29" x 1.25" x 35"; canvas 24" x 30"