Ozumi – “Water Yokai Kappa” – Japanese Sumi-e Painting on Shikishi, 1960s

Original Japanese ink and color painting on traditional shikishi board, dating to the 1960s.

A humorous depiction of a kappa, the famous water yokai of Japanese folklore. Ozumi builds the figure with a small number of energetic brushstrokes, soft ink washes, and restrained touches of color. The deliberately economical, almost caricatural treatment gives the creature a lively personality while retaining the spontaneity associated with sumi-e brushwork. During the mid-20th century, kappa imagery was particularly visible in Japanese popular culture, appearing widely in humorous drawing and illustration. This work belongs to a series by Ozumi devoted to yokai.

Condition

Vintage condition consistent with age, with natural toning of the surface, scattered foxing, and minor wear to the edges and corners. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Size (approx.)

24 × 27 cm

Shipping

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

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