Japanese "Dream of the Clamshell" scroll, finely painted, colored inks on paper, mounted on a tan paper ten and ji, with a gold and tan, paper brocade in a floral pattern on the left and right side of the image. The makio and kakeo at the top are tan, braided silk cord and mahogany jikusaki are at the bottom. Inscribed with a short poem and a red seal, signed Kikuei, followed by two red seals of the artist, in black sosho script. Circa Late Meiji era.

Image size is 15.75" wide x 31" high.

Shinkiro" (ShenQiLou) is the Japanese word for "mirage". It originates from an old belief that a giant clam exhaled fantastic images of distant cities. The image depicts a finely painted and detailed, unusual version of shinkiro (the dream of a clam shell) - the mirage of The Dragon King Ryujin's palace appearing on swirling vapors in the wafting breath of a clam shell, which is held by a smiling sage wearing a long robe with a double gourd tied to his belt.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Signs of wear and use commensurate with age: some light soiling on the image upon close inspection is seen, also a few small wormholes at the top of the ten, otherwise excellent vintage condition.

Origin:
Japan

Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Silk, Wood

Details:
Country of Origin: Japan
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Frame Type: Unframed
Art Subjects: Figure, Mythology

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Signs of wear and use commensurate with age: some light soiling on the image upon close inspection is seen, also a few small wormholes at the top of the ten, otherwise excellent vintage condition.