Rare Pair of Vintage Japanese Shikishi – “Monkey and the Drummer” – Anonymous Artist, Taishō–Shōwa Era

A rare and evocative pair of original Japanese shikishi (traditional art boards), painted around the Taishō–early Shōwa period (c. 1910–1940s).

These two works tell a story few art pieces ever do:

one board shows the nearly finished scene – a street performer tapping his drum, a tiny monkey bowing in costume, captured in vibrant sumi ink and soft color washes,

the second remains an unfinished sketch – the hand of the artist paused mid-gesture, a fleeting moment frozen in ink.

🎭 The Mystery Artist:
There is no signature, and the seal is unreadable. The brushwork, however, suggests ties to the Shijō school and the poetic freedom of nihonga painting.
This anonymity adds a layer of intrigue and legend: Was this the work of a wandering Kyoto painter? A gifted student of a master who never sought fame? Or a professional artist who left his identity deliberately veiled?

🌿 The Meaning of Incompleteness – Wabi-sabi:
In Japanese aesthetics, incompleteness is not a flaw – it is wabi-sabi, the beauty of the imperfect and unfinished.
The sketch is not “less” than the completed painting – it is a window into the artist’s process, showing how the first breath of an idea turns into art. Together, the two boards form a rare diptych of thought and execution.

🖌 Subject & Cultural Value:
The scene depicts saru-mawashi (猿回し) – the centuries-old Japanese tradition of traveling performers with trained monkeys. These charming, nostalgic performances have all but vanished, making these images a glimpse into a lost world.

Details:
Medium & Style: sumi-e ink and mineral pigments on shikishi board with gold trim
Size: approx. 24×27 cm each
Condition: vintage patina, minor age spots consistent with age – authenticity guaranteed
Origin: Japan
Shipping: secure packaging from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido)

This pair is more than just art – it is a narrative: from sketch to scene, from the mystery of an unknown artist to the enduring charm of Japan’s forgotten street performers.

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✨ If you love vintage Japanese art — scrolls, shikishi, paintings, calligraphy, oshi-e, posters and prints by 20th–21st century artists — visit our other gallery: https://japanesearty.etsy.com.
📷 Please note: antique and vintage pieces may show signs of age like stains, folds or wear. We do our best to show all details in the photos, but colors may vary slightly. Feel free to ask for extra pictures!
📦 All artworks are carefully packed in sturdy cardboard envelopes or tubes to ensure safe delivery.
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This pair is more than just art – it is a narrative: from sketch to scene, from the mystery of an unknown artist to the enduring charm of Japan’s forgotten street performers.