Boatman pass under the watchful eye of a grand tower perched atop cliffs tumbling to the sea on this serene image by Hirai Baisen enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Shuko Seika (Midsummer Boat Journey). The character used for Bai in his name is indicative of early work from the Taisho era. Ink on paper wrapped in a linen border of cool summer blue patterned with wispy clouds terminating in bone rollers. There is faint foxing visible upon close inspection, yet remains very presentable.
Hirai Baisen graduated the Kyoto Municipal School of Fine Arts and was a regular exhibitor with the Bunten from 1907-1931. Having worked in any number of styles, he was a true Jiyu-gakka who excelled in the early years of his career. However he did slowly withdraw from the competitive world of Japanese art beginning in the war years. His works are held by the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and a plethora of important public and private collections.
