Zenkai 善海 – Guardian Dragon 守護龍 – Handbemalt auf Seide – Signiert – Tomobako - Papier, Holz - Zenkai 善海 - Japan - 20. Jahrhundert

AI Visualisation Notice:
This listing contains AI Visualisations. Please refer to the original photographs for the actual object condition, colour, details and size. All AI Visualisations are clearly marked in the images.

Zenkai 善海 – “Guardian Dragon / 守護龍” – Japanese Silk Hanging Scroll

A Japanese hand-painted hanging scroll by Zenkai (善海) depicting a powerful guardian dragon rising above waves and rocks while reaching toward a sacred jewel.

The painting is executed by hand in ink and colour on silk.

The dragon is rendered in white, pale blue, gold and grey tones against a dark atmospheric background. Fine details are visible in the scales, whiskers, horns and facial features, while white swirling forms emphasize the movement of the dragon through the composition.

At the upper left, the title:

守護龍 – “Guardian Dragon”

is inscribed.

The lower left bears the artist’s signature:

善海 – Zenkai

together with a red seal.

The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (Tomobako). The box lid is inscribed:

守護龍之図 – “Picture of the Guardian Dragon”

Associated documentation from Zuishō no Kai / 瑞祥之会 is also included.

One label inside the box specifically states that the Guardian Dragon painting was painted by hand on silk (肉筆・絹地).

Comparable examples of the same Guardian Dragon composition by Zenkai and associated with 瑞祥之会 are known on the Japanese secondary market. A closely related example has also previously been accepted and sold by Catawiki under the artist name Zenkai.

No reliable biographical information for Zenkai has been conclusively established, so the artist is described according to the signature, seal, original box and accompanying documentation.

Details

Artist: Zenkai 善海
Title: Guardian Dragon / 守護龍
Object: Japanese hanging scroll / Kakejiku
Technique: Hand-painted ink and colour
Material: Silk
Country of origin: Japan
Period: Approximately Shōwa period
Signature: 善海
Seal: Red artist’s seal
Associated organisation: 瑞祥之会 / Zuishō no Kai
Accessories: Original signed wooden storage box and associated documentation

Dimensions

Overall: approx. 149 × 40 cm
Painting: approx. 70 × 30 cm

Condition

The hanging scroll is in good overall vintage condition.

There are some minor age-related stains, light discolouration, small marks and traces of handling visible on the silk painting and mounting.

The painted dragon, inscriptions and artist’s seal remain clearly visible, and the overall presentation remains attractive.

The wooden storage box shows normal age-related surface wear, marks and some staining consistent with storage and use.

The accompanying paper labels and documentation also show some age-related wear and staining.

Please carefully examine the original photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Shipping

The item will normally be shipped by FedEx or DHL. Depending on the destination and the item, Japan Post EMS may also be used.

Customs duties, import taxes and any customs clearance charges imposed by the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer.