Vintage Shōwa Japanese ink and color shikishi – Two Japanese melons with cricket

A vintage Japanese work from the early–mid Shōwa period, painted on silk mounted on a shikishi board. The composition shows two Japanese melons (uri, shima-uri type) with soft tonal transitions and natural striped modeling. A small cricket stands on the upper melon, adding a quiet seasonal accent. Signature and seal appear in the upper right. The silk surface shows natural, even aging consistent with period works.

Meaning note

The pairing of Japanese melons and a small cricket relates to a summer theme and the idea of observing the small and transient. Such motifs were common in Shōwa-period painting as calm, contemplative studies of form and season.

Style note

Measured naturalistic style of the Shōwa period, with fine detail rendered on silk.

Condition

Good vintage condition. Vintage works may show natural signs of age (light toning, small fiber creases, gentle edge wear), so please review the photos carefully.

Size

Size (approx.): 24 × 27 cm.

Shipping

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

For US buyers: this item enters the United States duty-free.