Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

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An original painting by Hokusai showing wild boars, a parent and baby. Another “Wild Boar in the Moonlight” painting is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, acc. No. 11.7430, ex William Sturgis Bigelow collection. The same broad background brushstroke shading is found on both paintings. Illustrated in Idemitsu Museum of Arts, vol. 9, Ukiyo-e Paintings, Kikuchi Sadao, 1976, pl. 84, p. 57. It was originally in the inventory of Yabumoto Soshiro, the largest antique dealer in Tokyo after he moved from Kyoto in the second half of the 20th century. Sumi and light colour on paper, 12.75 x 22 in; 32.4 x 56 cms. Signed Gakyorojin Manji hitsu rei hachi-ju-ichi (“at the age of 81”) with Fumoto-no-saki seal, so probably painted for the year of the boar, 1839. There are other paintings with the same signature and seal, e.g. The Harari Collection of Japanese Paintings and Drawings, volume 2, Jack Hillier, Lund Humphries, 1970, no. 142 “The Comet,” p. 258.

In very good condition. Recently remounted and sold with the old Edo-era box.

Status: Sold