Ikebana Composition with Camellias, Narcissus, and Plum
Painting on paper, likely a woodblock print (shin-hanga style) or a hand-painted work on shikishi paper • Signed 'Shoun' (祥雲) with artist seal; likely a Japanese Nihonga artist active in the mid-20th century
Style & Movement
Nihonga / Shin-hanga style, influenced by the Rimpa school floral traditions
Medium & Technique
Ink and pigment on paper; employing 'mokkotsu' (boneless) technique for flower petals and 'tarashikomi' shading effects on leaves and bowl
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (Showa era, approx. 1930-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A traditional Moribana-style Ikebana arrangement in a crackle-glazed (celadon) shallow bowl. Features pink camellias, white narcissus, red-budded plum branches, and bamboo leaves. The composition symbolizes winter transitioning to spring.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible undulation of the paper support and spotting suggesting moisture exposure
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; signature and seal suggest Japanese origin produced for domestic or export art markets in the mid-Showa period
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-century refinement of floral still life in Japan, bridging traditional Ikebana principles with modern commercial art production for interior decoration.
Notable Features
Distinctive calligraphic signature 'Shoun' with red vermillion seal; detailed rendering of 'Kanyu' (crackle) glaze on the ceramic basin.
Condition Issues
Notable foxing (brown spots) in the upper left and right quadrants; paper buckling or waving due to improper mounting or humidity; minor fading of pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional deacidification and flattening; framing under UV-protective museum glass with acid-free matting to prevent further foxing.