Osawa Hisashi, vintage Showa Japanese ink painting on shikishi – crane and longevity

An original Japanese ink painting on shikishi by Osawa Hisashi, an artist associated with postwar Japanese avant-garde calligraphy. The work dates from the late Showa period, probably the late 1970s to early 1980s.

The composition combines the image of a crane with the large calligraphic inscription Senju, meaning “a thousand years of life” or “longevity.” The bird is formed through free movements of the brush and is directly connected to the rhythm of the calligraphy. Image, word, and abstract line form a single composition.

The work is signed by the artist and marked with two red seals.

The set includes a decorative tato folder bearing the title Senju and an impression of the artist’s personal seal, together with his biographical insert. The information in the insert is current as of October 1978 and records Osawa Hisashi’s exhibitions, awards, and professional activity.

The preservation of the shikishi together with its titled folder and personal biographical insert confirms the completeness of the set and documents its direct connection with the artist.

Artist

Osawa Hisashi was born in 1928 in Gifu Prefecture. His artistic formation was connected with postwar Japanese avant-garde calligraphy, a movement in which the written character was treated not only as text but also as an independent abstract form.

During the 1950s, he participated in the experimental calligraphy circle Bokujin. In the early 1960s, he received the Shell Art Award and the Mizu-e Award. He later moved into contemporary painting while retaining the calligraphic gesture, rhythmic line, expressive use of ink, and active role of unpainted space.

He participated in exhibitions of contemporary Japanese calligraphy and painting in Japan, New York, Paris, and Brussels, held solo exhibitions, and later became one of the founders of the Gifu Contemporary Artists Association.

His work occupies the border between calligraphy, ink drawing, and postwar modernist painting.

Condition

Vintage condition. The surface shows natural signs of age, including scattered light brown spotting. The folder and biographical insert also show age-related changes. Please review the photographs carefully.

Size

Size of shikishi (approx.): 24 × 27 cm.

Included

Shikishi, decorative tato folder, and the artist’s biographical insert.

Shipping

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

For US buyers

US customs processing is prepaid through the shipping service, so no additional customs processing payment is required upon delivery.