Somin (kao) - GINZA SEIKODO JAPANESE ART, SWORDS, & TSUBA SINCE MEIJI PERIOD

PRODUCT Somin (kao)
Depiction of Shoki (Zhong Kui)

NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate: Somin (kao)
Depiction of Shoki (Zhong Kui)

Somin (kao) Depiction of Shoki (Zhong Kui) PRICE JP￥1,500,000-: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate

Yokoya Somin was born in Edo in the third year of Kanbun (1670), and was the third head of the Yokoya family. He also had the name Tomotsune. Somin’s grandfather, the first generation Soyo, studied in the Goto School and worked for the shogunate. Somin also initially worked for the shogunate, but later left his position to freely develop his technique, and would eventually found the machibori movement. Somin’s style can generally be classified in two categories – high relief use of colored metals, and katakiribori. He maintained a close relationship with Hanabusa Icho of the Kano school of painting, drawing on inspiration. This piece masterfully displays Somin’s hallmark katakiribori technique, with bold yet detailed carvings of varying depths depicting even the smallest hair, testament to his remarkable skill.