vintage japanese shikishi print : squirrels

A pair of squirrels by Kobyashi Kahaku (1896-1943) captures a playful and lively pair, who are nonetheless preoccupied with an important virtue of Japanese culture : preparation! A sweet and simple work to make you smile (or get back to work)!

Yokoyama Taikan was a leading figure in the early twentieth century Japanese art world, and this print is from a collection of reproductions of original Japanese artworks presented to him for his 60th birthday, in 1928. What an incredible gift!

Printed on shikishi board - a traditional Japanese art material with subtle flecking and a bevelled edge in gold - these works may be framed or propped, and look spectacular in pairs or as a triptych.