Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This exquisite Japanese hanging scroll (kakejiku) depicts elegant Chinese-style beauties (bijinga) in a lush landscape setting, rendered in ink and color on silk. The scroll features a signature reading 'Korenobu hitsu' (惟信筆) with a red artist's seal, attributing the work to Kano Korenobu (1753–1808), also known as Yosen'in, the ninth head of the Kobikicho Kano school branch in Edo.
Story
In Edo-period Japan, official court painters of the Kano school secretly fascinated elite patrons by painting exotic, idealized Chinese court beauties (Tang-style bijin). This work combines academic precision with romantic fantasy.
Maker / Origin
Kano Korenobu (1753–1808), who took the art name Yosen'in, was the 9th head of the influential Kobikicho branch of the Kano painter dynasty. As official painter (oku-eshi) to the Tokugawa Shogunate, he directed major artistic projects, including the decoration of Edo Castle.
Condition & Value
The painted silk surface shows visible age-related toning, minor creasing, and faint spots/foxing, particularly near the upper edge. The traditional silk mount appears intact and well-preserved overall, though typical light wear is present.
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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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.