Antique Japanese Hanging Scroll with Red Seal Impressions (Inpu Catalog) – Meiji–Early Showa, ca. 1890–1935

A rare inpu (印譜) hanging scroll — a traditional Japanese catalog of carved seal impressions used by artists, calligraphers, and collectors from the late Meiji to early Showa period (ca. 1890–1935).
This extensive scroll presents more than thirty cinnabar-red seal impressions (tenkoku 篆刻), executed in various forms — square, oval, and figural designs such as dragons, cicadas, scrolls, and archaic bronze motifs. Each impression was made by hand, reflecting the aesthetic of scholar studios of the time.

The reverse upper inscription reads 「壽山堂印譜之卷」(Shuzandō Inpu no Maki) — “Volume of Seal Impressions from the Studio Shuzandō”, referring to a Kyoto–Nagasaki workshop known for masterful tenkoku engraving in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
An additional ink inscription on the roller end confirms the studio name 壽山堂 (Shuzandō), written in pre-war characters, further authenticating its origin.

Mounted as a complete kakejiku with natural wooden rollers.
Condition: traces of age, water stains, and small folds on the paper mounting, yet the seal impressions remain sharp and vibrant. Wooden rollers and silk borders show natural patina consistent with early 20th-century workmanship.
Dimensions: approx. 42 × 197 cm.
Medium: cinnabar paste on handmade washi paper, mounted as a hanging scroll.
Period: Meiji–Early Showa (ca. 1890–1935).
Level of attribution: Probable – consistent with the Shuzandō seal-engraving studio tradition.

A valuable document of the Japanese tenkoku culture, illustrating the refined aesthetics of scholar studios and collectors between the Meiji and early Showa eras.

Shipping:
Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).
Ships rolled and protected in reinforced packaging.