AYSEN MYO-O JAPON, ÉPOQUE KAMAKURA, XIVE SIÈCLE |

encre, couleurs, or et feuille d'or sur soie, montée en rouleau, boîte couverte en bois (4)

Acquired by Willem van Heusden in Japan before 1955 (according to his wife).

There are scattered vertical and horizontal creases to the silk across the painting with associated losses to the pigments. There are small areas with losses to the pigments scattered throughout the painting, some have been retouched, some filled in. There are losses to the gold leaf overall and small losses to the white pigments on the tips of the lotus leaves of the base. There is overall wear to the surface, some light scratching. The colours of the painting are less saturated than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'Japanese experts appear to agree in ascribing this painting to Fujiwara Nagataka, on what grounds I do not know. However, there is considerable disagreement as to who this Nagataka was, in fact there may have been two Fujiwara Nagataka, both working somewhere between 1200 and 1250 A.D. Anyway, the dating of this picture is probably correct [...]. The painting is a good one, showing considerable force [...]. (The picture) was designated a "national treasure" by the "All Japan Treasure Committee" which issued a certificate No. 460, dated 10th December 1892 (Meiji 25th year) to the then owner, a Mr. Katano Tomohira. Unfortunately, this certificate has been lost.' Quote Willem van Heusden in his notes accompanying the painting.