Hand-painted Japanese Haiga – “First Bonito and Bamboo” (from the Ikkū Collection)

This exceptional haiga shikishi features a graceful brush painting of a first bonito (初がつを / hatsugatsuo) — a traditional seasonal delicacy — accompanied by slender bamboo leaves and a handwritten haiku by the Edo-period poet Takarai Kikaku, also known by his art name Sodō (素堂).

The poem reads:

Me ni sayaka / furuha yama hototogisu / hatsugatsuo
Clear to the eye:
on mountains of old leaves—
the first bonito.

The calligraphy by Isshū (一空) — meaning “One Sky” — is done in a refined gyōsho style, with flowing kana and balanced kanji strokes. The rhythm and spacing reflect the meditative calm of Edo haiga tradition, with soft ink accents and gentle asymmetry.

Executed in the Shōwa period (1950–80s) on a classic shikishi-format board, this piece is part of a curated series of haiga paintings by Isshū, each blending classical poetry and minimalistic brushwork.

– Era: Shōwa (1950–80s)
– Style: Haiga (haiku & painting) / Nihonga brushwork
– Poet: Takarai Kikaku (Sodō, 1661–1707)
– Calligrapher/Painter: Isshū (一空)
– Material: Ink and light watercolor on art board
– Size: approx. 24×27 cm
– Condition: Excellent vintage, light signs of age

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


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