A Japanese ukiyo-e framed painting of a geisha

A really interesting and very beautiful painting - stamped and signed - and with wonderful provenance verso.

On the reverse is a label for H Webster & Co picture framers, located in Wellington, New Zealand, at Taranaki & Willis Street right on the central wharf and a frequent stop for seamen.

The inscription verso is fascinating: the painting is delicated to Falla (?), from Captain D. Okawachi (Denshichi, B.1886-D.1958) who captained the Asama. The Asama (淺間) was the lead ship of her class of armoured cruisers (Sōkō jun'yōkan) built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) in the late 1890s. She was crippled after running aground in 1935. Asama then became a stationary training ship until she was broken up in 1946–1947.

A quick search for then-Captain Okawachi reveals his key role in many of Japan’s most important WWII naval missions. He attained the rank of Vice Admiral.

It’s wonderful to have that small insight into the painting’s history.

Original simple wood frame. Glazed.

A wonderful, rare thing of beauty.

Dimensions:

All approximate, framed

28cm x 25cm

Condition: Where there are specific points to note we will detail these as far as possible but please be aware that all our items have wear commensurate with age and are as seen in the photographs. If you require any specific information please do not hesitate to get in contact. As seen in the images, but not limited to: some discolouration etc commensurate with age.