Still Life with Three Roses
Painting on silk, mounted to board and framed • Japanese school; signed with kanji 'Eisaku' (栄作) and accompanied by a red artist seal (hanko)
Style & Movement
Showa-era Nihonga-style influence; blending traditional Japanese elements with more modern, graphic floral representation
Medium & Technique
Ink and gouache on silk; featuring flat color application, traditional line work (Kaiku), and soft gradient background wash
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950-1970)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; landscape format
Subject Description
A botanical composition featuring pink, red, and yellow roses with a smaller yellow bud. The roses are rendered with stylized thorns and deep green leaves against an atmospheric background that transitions from beige to teal. The composition utilizes the traditional 'asymmetric balance' common in East Asian art.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the silk support shows visible surface dirt, several small punctures or insect holes on the left side, and some fading/discoloration of the background wash
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a mid-century decorative export or a souvenir from Japan, common in post-WWII Western collections
Art Historical Significance
Represents the globalization of Japanese aesthetics in the mid-20th century. While decorative, it reflects the persistence of Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) techniques within a commercial context for the international market.
Notable Features
Features a clear signature and seal in the lower right corner. The color palette of the roses remains vibrant despite the aging of the silk support.
Condition Issues
Notable foxing and small puncture holes in the silk; acid burn visible from the wooden frame contact; some loosening of the silk from its mounting board; surface abrasions on the dark wood outer frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further silk degradation. Surface cleaning by a specialist in East Asian works on paper/silk is advised to mitigate spotting.