Goat in Toy Style — Japanese Shikishi by Masao Nakada (中田雅夫, 1905–1980), Signed “Kai” (改)

A whimsical and stylized depiction of a goat, painted in expressive brushwork and accented with vibrant colors on traditional shikishi board. The work is signed with the character Kai (改) – likely the artist’s gō (art-name) – and sealed with a rare red stamp reading Shunpa (春波), meaning “Spring Waves.”

According to collection records and provenance, this painting is attributed to Masao Nakada (中田雅夫, 1905–1980), a Japanese nihonga painter known for elegant portrayals of animals and birds during the Shōwa period. While he typically signed with his full name, several documented works show the use of Kai (改) as an abbreviated signature. The minimalist style, subject matter, and vintage materials strongly support this attribution.

Earlier attributions to a possible artist “Masado Nakado” (中堂 改) have circulated in collector circles, but this piece is now believed with higher confidence to be a work by Masao Nakada, possibly from the 1950s–1970s.

The stylized goat, with its rounded body and bright colors, resembles traditional Japanese hariko (papier-mâché) toys — folk charms often made as zodiac animals or festive decorations. This reference to mingei (folk craft) adds charm and cultural context to the image, blending modern nihonga with nostalgic symbolism.

Painted on a classic Japanese shikishi board with golden trim, approx. 24×27 cm. Foxing and mild patina confirm the vintage origin. A delightful piece for collectors of Japanese animal art, folk motifs, or Showa-period design.

Secure shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

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