Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A dramatic Japanese kakejiku (hanging scroll) depicting the legendary rooftop duel from the epic 19th-century novel 'Nansō Satomi Hakkenden'. The painting captures the tense, gravity-defying battle between the heroes Inukai Genpachi and Inuzuka Shino atop the tiled roof of the Hōryū tower.
Story
In 1814, author Kyokutei Bakin began a masterpiece that took 28 years to complete. This scroll captures its most famous scene: two sworn brothers, unaware of their destiny, fighting to the death on a slippery temple roof.
Maker / Origin
The scroll is associated with 'Shuntō', a name used by several Japanese painters active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Artists of this era specialized in reviving dramatic historical and literary scenes (rekishiga) for a public hungry for tales of samurai chivalry and folklore.
Condition & Value
The painted silk panel shows mild horizontal creasing consistent with being rolled, but the pigments remain remarkably vibrant with no major flaking. The mounting silk borders and wooden roller ends appear intact and well-preserved.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.