Preliminary identification

Japanese Kakejiku Hanging Scroll Depicting Guo Ziyi (Kaku Zigi) Palace Scene

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

This magnificent Japanese hanging scroll (kakejiku) depicts a lavish Chinese palace scene based on the story of Guo Ziyi (known as Kaku Zigi in Japan), a celebrated Tang dynasty general synonymous with longevity and wealth.

Story

Popular in Japanese Nihonga painting, scenes of Guo Ziyi celebrating his birthday surrounded by family symbolized ultimate prosperity and peace. The story celebrates a Tang general who saved the dynasty and lived to see numerous offspring thrive. This elaborate depiction brought auspicious wishes of long life and success into traditional Japanese households.

Maker / Origin

The scroll bears an artist's signature reading 'Getsushin' (月耕 / 月耕筆) alongside two red artist seals, indicating attribution to or the school of Ogata Getsushin or a contemporary Nihonga painter. Japanese painters of this period frequently drew inspiration from classical Chinese historical narratives, reinterpreting traditional subjects using vibrant modern pigments and refined brushwork.

Condition & Value

The painting surface shows mild age-related toning and light creasing typical for silk scrolls, but overall pigments remain bright and intact. The mounting and fitted wooden box are well-preserved, which helps maintain collectible value.

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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 comps
Regional 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.