【Antique/As-Is】Special Hand-Painted Wild Silk by Sumi-e Artist & Indigo Ink Artist, Oukichi Tanaka

Selling at a low price due to decluttering my belongings!

A rare piece by a renowned artist, created with hand-painted wild silk thread using Seidai ink.
This is a work by the late Tanaka Ouki, a sumi-e painter and Aiboku artist.

The reason for the 訳あり (訳あり means with a reason or flawed) is a mark left from where a vase was placed in the center. Please see the 3rd photo.
Additionally, as it is currently stored in its original box, there are some fold creases.

The dimensions are approximately 30cm in height and 50cm in width.

Seidai ink is said to have been named after a technique invented by Sanojo, an indigo craftsman from Awa Province during the Edo period, who extracted and solidified pure pigment from Awa indigo.
Because only high-purity pigment extracted from indigo foam (hana) is used, only a small amount can be collected throughout the year. It was a very expensive ink, presented as tribute to feudal lords and the Shogunate even at that time, and a precious item generally unattainable. After the end of the Edo period, it was replaced by chemical pigments, and its technique disappeared, making it a phantom ink.

The natural beige fabric, with its textured threads containing wild silk, is beautifully adorned with two monkeys painted with rich brushstrokes, reminiscent of the Choju-jinbutsu-giga (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals), creating a deeply evocative atmosphere. This is truly a masterpiece that showcases the artist's sensibility.

I unexpectedly acquired this item and considered framing it or using it as a vase mat. However, upon researching it, I discovered it to be a rare piece. Therefore, if anyone is looking for such an item, I would like to pass it on, despite some minor stains. The original cosmetic box is also included.

*This is a one-of-a-kind 訳あり art piece. No claims or returns accepted (NC, NR).
*Shipping will be in simple packaging.