Overview
An authentic 1838 Japanese hand-painted hanging scroll depicting a dramatic narrative scene with samurai and a divine lightning storm. Accompanied by its original wooden storage box (tomobako) with matching inscriptions and seals.
Preliminary identification
Edo Period Japanese Hanging Scroll Painting (Kakemono), Dated Tenpo 9 (1838)
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
In July 1838, an artist named Hyakusei painted this vivid scene in Bungo Province. Legend says Nichiren invoked lightning to strike down samurai, a famous miracle captured here in bold pigment and ink.
Maker / Origin
The inscription attributes the work to 'Hyakusei' (百姓書), active in Bungo Province (modern Oita Prefecture) during the late Edo period. Local regional artists often created religious narrative scroll paintings (kakejiku) for temples or private patrons.
Condition & Value
The painted surface shows horizontal creasing, light toning, and minor pigment loss consistent with age. Mounting shows light creasing. Overall complete with original wooden box. Creasing and age wear moderate the value slightly.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.