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Photo: Eduardo Calderon
Ascending Dragon
Photo: Eduardo Calderon

Ascending Dragon

Date1928
Maker Tomita Keisen Japanese, 1879 - 1936
Label TextThe dragon was the Chinese calendrical animal for 1928, and Keisen painted this scroll to celebrate the new year. A dragon emerging from water is auspicious for a successful undertaking, and the dynamism of this image enhances its role as a lucky charm. Keisen's wet rendering of billowing clouds and the casual brushwork denoting the dragon's snout and body derive from the Rinpa and literati schools. Despite its basis in a traditional theme and styles, this humorous image projects a fresh, modern feeling.
Object number2010.41.38
Photo CreditPhoto: Eduardo Calderon
Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 185, illus. 51.
Credit LineGift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions84 1/2 x 22 in. (214.6 x 55.9 cm)
MediumInk and slight colors on silk
Photo: Eduardo Calderon
Tomita Keisen
late 1920s
Object number: 2010.41.41
Photo: Eduardo Calderon
Tomita Keisen
late 1920s
Object number: 2010.41.39
Photo: Eduardo Calderon
Tomita Keisen
ca.1917
Object number: 2010.41.40
Photo: Eduardo Calderon
Tomita Keisen
ca. 1915
Object number: 2010.41.42
Photo: Eduardo Calderon
Tomita Keisen
early 1920s
Object number: 2010.41.43
Nakakuni Delivering an Imperial Request
Tsuji Kako
ca. 1901
Object number: 2010.41.28
White Heron Castle
Tsuji Kako
ca. 1919
Object number: 2010.41.27
Photo: Eduardo Calderon
Matsumoto Ichiyo
1942
Object number: 2010.41.62
Tsuji Kako
late 19th - early 20th century
Object number: 2010.41.96