Crows rustle and bunch in the deadened branches of a wind stripped tree on this large scroll painting by Ueda Banshu dated Taisho 10 (1921) and titled Kogarashi. Kogarashi refers to the cold, strong north wind that blows from late autumn to early winter. The name comes from its tendency to blow the leaves off trees. Ink and light color on paper mounted in patterned green satin with massive solid ivory rollers. These will need to be changed for export. The scroll is 75 x 210 cm (29-1/2 x 82-1/2 inches) and comes in the original signed double wood box. There are a few vertical wrinkles in the paper, and the previous owner, due to length, clamped the bottom roller of the scroll, causing a permanent pair of indentations at the bottom.
Ueda Banshu (also read Manshū 1869-1952) was born in Kyoto, given name Minotaro, and graduated from the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting in 1887. He became a specialist in kachōga (bird-and-flower painting) under renowned painter Imao Keinen. From the late Meiji through the early Shōwa period, Ueda gained recognition for his bold and expressive works. He first attracted public attention through exhibitions at the National Industrial Exposition, and went on to exhibit at the Bunten from its inaugural session, earning multiple awards and establishing his presence in Japan’s official art scene. A frequent exhibitor in official government-sponsored exhibitions (kanten), he was also among the founding members of the Japan Free Painting Society (Nihon Jiyū Gadan) in 1919 advocating for greater creative freedom in Nihonga. He garnered numerous awards beginning with a Third Prize at the 10th anniversary exhibition of the Kyoto Art Association in 1900, and continued to gain recognition at the Shin-Kokin Art Exhibitions. His reputation extended internationally as well; earning accolades including a Silver Prize at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and a Gold Medal at the 1905 Liège International Exposition in Belgium. His hallmark works—vivid, commanding depictions of birds and flowers—are marked by clarity of form and powerful presence. Ueda Banshū passed away on December 15, 1952, at the age of 83.
