Kobayashi Kokei "Shōbu (Irises)" Mini Hanging Scroll | Masterpiece Art Print

Mini Hanging Scroll

Size: 28 cm wide × approximately 90 cm high
Artwork material: Special silk-like fabric (Shinkenpon)
Roller ends: Resin
Storage: Paper storage box included

Kobayashi Kokei

Kobayashi Kokei (1883–1957) was a Japanese painter active from the Taishō through the Shōwa period. Drawing inspiration from plants, animals, figures, and classical tales, he developed a distinctive style characterized by delicate lines based on careful observation, clear colors, and simple yet refined compositions.

His work combined the beauty of classical Japanese painting with a modern sensibility and is often described as “Neo-Classicism” in Japanese art. He made a significant contribution to the development of modern Japanese painting and received the Order of Culture in 1950.

Shōbu (Irises)

Kobayashi Kokei’s Shōbu depicts irises in white, pink, purple, and deep blue arranged in an antique Ko-Imari vase from the artist’s own collection. The slender upright leaves and the varied forms of the blossoms convey the freshness and splendor of early summer.

The flowers and leaves are rendered with delicate lines based on careful observation, while the vivid colors and generous empty space create a refined and serene composition. The contrast between the ornate Ko-Imari vase and the vigorously rising irises reflects Kokei’s distinctive fusion of classical beauty and modern sensibility.

Painted in 1952 and now in the collection of the Yamatane Museum of Art, this was Kokei’s final work exhibited at the Inten.

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Mini Hanging Scroll

This compact hanging scroll is designed to resemble a traditionally mounted scroll. The decorative fūtai strips are integrated into the upper fabric, and the roller ends are made of resin. Its compact size makes it as easy to display as a poster, while its affordable price allows you to enjoy Japanese art casually.

High-Definition Art Reproduction with Hand-Applied Color

The artwork is reproduced on specially prepared Shinkenpon, a silk-like fabric, using advanced giclée printing technology also employed by major museums worldwide for fine-art reproductions. The final details are enhanced with hand-applied color to create a more vivid and realistic appearance. The materials offer excellent resistance to light and ozone, helping preserve the original colors and beauty over time.