A spectacular image of grapevines loaded with fruit cascades down on this large format scroll by Tonouchi Misho dating from the early 20th century. Ink and gold paper in a silk border with ivory rollers. It is 51 x 212 cm (20 x 83-1/2 inches) and is in overall fine condition.
Tonouchi Misho (Bisho, 1891-1964) was born in Tokyo. given name Masakichi. After losing his mother at the age of two, he was raised in his father’s hometown of Tera Village (present-day Ina City, Nagano Prefecture). After completing elementary school, he moved to Tokyo in 1908 (Meiji 41), where he first studied under Matsukura Gyokusan, and later under Terazaki Kōgyō. Following Kōgyō’s death, he moved to Kyoto in 1918 (Taishō 7) to study under Kikuchi Keigetsu and graduated the Kyoto Municipal School of Painting (mod. University of Art) in 1925. Becoming an active participant in government-sponsored exhibitions. His first major recognition came in 1920 (Taishō 9) when his work "Scenes of Nara" was accepted for the 2nd Teiten (Imperial Art Exhibition). He received special commendation at both the 6th Teiten with "Light of Joy", and the 8th Teiten with "Spring Snow on the Cliffs of Tonomine". In 1928, at the 9th Teiten, he was recommended for further distinction, and by the following 10th exhibition, he served as a juror. He continued to show his work at the National Exhibition and after World War II, exhibited at the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition).
