Japanese Nihonga Hanging Scroll Attributed to Naito Korin (Bijinga Figure Painting)

Story

Twentieth-century Nihonga painters revived classical Edo period themes through modern sensibilities, turning figures like night travelers into poetic meditations on solitary beauty. The hooded figure wandering beneath a sliver of moon evokes the timeless literary motif of journeying through autumnal fields.

Maker / Origin

Naito Korin (内藤耕琳, 1898–1983) was a respected Japanese painter who specialized in Nihonga, particularly bijinga (paintings of beautiful women) and figure subjects. Active throughout the Taisho and Showa eras, his work combined classical Kyoto-style elegance with delicate color harmonies.

Condition & Value

The painting shows minor age toning and faint foxing spots on the silk surface, particularly near the top sky area. The silk brocade mounting appears clean and intact without severe creasing or tears. Minor age spots reduce value slightly, but overall condition is well-preserved.