A gentleman and a lady walk in full western dress on this Gassaku painting by Takeuchi Seiho and Taniguchi Kokyo enclosed in a period wooden box dated 1907. According to the inscription Seiho painted the lady, and Kokyo the gentleman. Pigment on silk, it is bordered in mullti-colored striped silk and features red lacquered rollers. The scroll is 33 x 171 cm (13 x 67-1/2 inches) and in overall fine condition.
Takeuchi Seiho will be a subject of any discussion of 20th century Japanese art. He learned painting from the famous Shijo school artist Kono Bairei and traveled to Europe, where he solidified his own unique style. One of the most influential of early 20th century painters, he served as a teacher at the Kyoto Municipal School of Arts and Crafts, a member of the Imperial Art Academy and was a member of the Bunten from its establishment, serving on the selection committee. He is hailed as one of the founders of the modern Kyoto School, and received innumerable awards including the order of Cultural Merit.
Taniguchi Kokyo (1864-1915) was a Japanese-style painter born in Osaka. Studied painting under Kono Bairei. Excelled at history paintings. Active in the National Industrial Exhibition and the World's Fair. One of the Four Most Talented Pupils of Bairei. Taught at Kyoto City School of Arts and Crafts, and Kyoto City Specialist School of Painting. He was an exhibitor and juror at the Bunten.
