Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An ink and light color hanging scroll on silk depicting a bustling evening scene at Mapo on the Han River in Korea, signed and sealed 'Kyuka' (丘花). Accompanied by an inscribed wooden storage box (tomobako) titling the work '朝鮮 漢江麻浦夕凪' (Joseon Han River Mapo Evening Calm) dated 1921.
Story
Dated 1921 on the wooden box, this painting captures the lost daily rhythm of Mapo ferry port on Seoul's Han River, where traditional cargo boats and local villagers gather at dusk.
Maker / Origin
Signed 'Kyuka' (丘花 / 丘華), the artist was among the Japanese painters traveling to and documenting scenes of the Korean peninsula during the early 20th century. Works of this genre bridged Japanese Nihonga watercolor techniques with regional East Asian genre landscapes.
Condition & Value
Fair to good antique condition. Light age toning, minor creases, and faint foxing visible in the upper silk sky area; image and inscription remain crisp and well preserved. The original fitted wooden box is intact.
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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.