Noh Mask Painted Scrolls - Demon Changed Into Woman - By Eitatsu Koyama 1880-1945 - Japan #288

This scroll is called "Autumn Leaf Hunt" - It quotes from a Noh play "Momijigari" whose plot is a demon who transforms into a beautiful woman, in order to ruin a young hero. The mask of the sneering demon slips under that of a young woman with a blank expression, as if her soul had been taken away. The autumn leaves on the left scroll create a poetic dynamic. Gouache and ink. Stamp and signed. ◆Eitatsu Koyama (1880-1945) Real name "Shuho". First studied Western painting under Honda Nishikichiro (mangaka and painter), then Kobori Tomion, landscape painter. Was affiliated with the Kano school (secular paintings). In 1901, he formed the Shiko-kai (artist association). From 1909, exhibited at the Bunten (Fine Arts Salon). Throughout his career, he produced a number of historical and war paintings. Numerous Salons, prizes. In 1938, he organized an exhibition of war art in Ueno, and until 1940, he worked as an illustrator for the press. The Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo holds two of his works. The two scrolls are stored in a polownia box, which slides into a varnished wooden box. Circa 1920-40; Very good condition. Dimensions per scroll: total height 197 cm x total width 30.3 cm + end caps. Gouache sheet size 113 x 20.5 cm - box 38 x 13 x 17 An illustrated note on the artist will be given to the buyer.