Pair of Early 20th Century Japanese Hand-Painted Silk Bird Panels

A striking pair of early 20th-century Japanese paintings, beautifully hand-painted on silk and presented in tall ebonised frames with gilt inner detailing.

One depicts a mallard dramatically rising from the water amongst reeds, while its companion features a bird of prey swooping above turbulent water. The beautifully observed feathers, movement and atmospheric use of ink and muted colour give both works wonderful depth and energy.

Each painting bears a calligraphic artist’s signature and red seal. The works are executed in the Japanese kacho-ga tradition of bird-and-flower painting, with the naturalistic treatment and dramatic compositions reflecting the artistic language of early 20th-century Japanese art.

At an impressive 123 cm high, these have wonderful presence and work beautifully displayed together, either side by side or positioned separately within the same room.

The silk has developed a wonderfully timeworn appearance, with foxing, discolouration and areas of historic wear commensurate with age. The old glass has a subtle mottled and imperfect quality, while the ebonised frames and gilt slips show further surface wear and patination. For us, these signs of age are very much part of their character and atmosphere.

A highly decorative and unusual pair with beautiful scale, movement and presence.

Dimensions: W 48cm H 123cm
Sold as a pair.

Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.

Delivery £65