Antique hanging scroll. A dragon dressed in kimono and apron stands on its hind legs, and holds up high a jewel, as if offering to an invisible celestial divine creature. Above him is a swirl.
Signed: Shoto …utsutsu. Seal: Moroku sensei.
Black ink and mineral color on paper.
Japan, 1910s, perhaps 1920s.
Painted area: ca. 52 x 13.5 in. (132 x 34.5 cm). Total length ca. 77 inches (195 cm).
Few light stains and tiny spots, some foxing in mounting, otherwise very good condition.
Kurata Shoto (1865-1928) was a painter from Akita. He worked in the nanga style. His paintings often had Buddhist subject matter, but he also painted historical and mythological figures. His sense of humor is quite visible in his work.
