Original Chiura Obata Sumi-E: "Vine and Ripples" Painting

Details

Description

A rare, exquisite, and museum-quality original sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) by the renowned Japanese American master, Chiura Obata (1885–1975). Dating … Read more A rare, exquisite, and museum-quality original sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) by the renowned Japanese American master, Chiura Obata (1885–1975). Dating to the height of his influential career, Circa 1930s, this artwork is a rare find, recently acquired from a private estate collection and fresh to the market.

This elegant composition is a prime example of Obata's fluid, masterful brushwork and his deep reverence for "Great Nature." It depicts a gracefully descending vine of leaves over a tranquil body of water, evidenced by the concentric ripples rendered with sublime restraint. Created during his influential tenure as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, this study captures the profound simplicity and technical elegance of his style.

Obata's Historical Significance: This piece holds immense cultural value, created by an artist whose works are featured in major institutions (including the Whitney and SFMOMA) and are often the subject of museum exhibitions. This original work is an investment-grade piece for any serious collector of Asian art or California Modernism.

Details & Condition:

Dimensions (Framed): 22.25" W x 27.75" H x 1" D

Dimensions (Art View): 15" W x 20.5" H

Condition: Good vintage condition. The paper displays beautiful, age-appropriate patination. Please note the presence of light foxing (small brown spots) and subtle minor creasing (cockling) in the paper, characteristics common and expected in original vintage works on paper (see detailed photos).

Artist Labeled/Signed: Yes, prominently signed with the artist's calligraphic signature and red chop seal in the upper left corner.

Provenance: Acquired from a private collection/estate sale. Professionally framed with archival materials (Taylor's Art Center, Sacramento provenance). See less