Kikuchi Hobun (1862-1918) Cherry Blossom at SunriseMeiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, early 20th century
Kakejiku (hanging scroll), ink and slight colours on silk in silk mounts, depicting the trunk, branches, leaves and blossoms of an ancient cherry tree beneath a faint sun, signed Hobun with a seal; with a wood tomobako storage box inscribed outside Oka no zu (Picture of cherry blossom); signed inside Hobun jidai (Inscribed in person by Hobun) and sealed. Overall: 211cm x 59cm (83in x 23¼in); image: 121cm × 40.5cm (47 5/8in × 16in). (2).注脚Renowned for his skill in brushing atmospheric depictions of cherry blossom, Kikuchi Hobun studied under Kono Bairei and went on to become a prominent member of the Kyoto group of painters, participating in several local exhibitions focused on artists working in the Shijo tradition. From 1907, he was a regular exhibitor at the Bunten official national exhibition and in 1917 he was appointed to the order of Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist-Craftsmen to the Imperial Household).