Japanese art kakejiku kakemono - hanging scroll - Cloud Dragon - Paper, Wood, Silk, Bone - 狩野探玄守明 Kano Tangen Moriaki (1776-1834) - Japan - Late Edo period

Japanese hanging scroll (kakejiku), ink sumi-e on silk (Kenpon), depicting a Dragon among the Clouds (Unryū-zu). The work bears the calligraphic signature "探玄守明 筆" (Tangen Moriaki hitsu - Painted by Tangen Moriaki) and is accompanied by the official seal of the prestigious painting lineage: "狩野之印" (Kano no In - Seal of the Kano).

Kano Tangen Moriaki (狩野探玄守明, 1776–1834), a famed exponent of the seventh generation of the Shiba Atagoshita branch of the Kano School in Edo, and also official painter (goyō-eshi) in the service of the Tokugawa shogunate. Active during the late Edo period (particularly the prosperous Bunka-Bunsei era), he specialized not only in portraits but also in painting flowers and birds. He also excelled in the representation of classic and vigorous subjects in monochrome ink or graduated wash, such as dragons among the clouds (Cloud Dragon) and traditional landscapes. His style was meant to reflect the elegance, restraint, and academic canon required by the samurai class and the Shogun’s court.

On the back of the scroll is an inscription of the period identifying the author and subject. The work is accompanied by a kiribako wooden box that guarantees its preservation and display.

The painting is a masterful example of late Edo period academic suibokuga (monochrome ink painting). The style reflects the highest canons of the Kano School, combining spiritual energy with rigorous execution:
• Sumi-e ink technique: Moriaki demonstrates extraordinary skill in modulating the ink. The hazy background and the wisps of smoke from which the creature emerges are rendered with delicate and soft gradations of very diluted ink (tanboku), capable of creating an atmosphere that is suspended and three-dimensional.
• Dynamic brushwork: In stark contrast to the softness of the clouds, the dragon figure is defined with heavy, dense, and sharp black ink lines (nōboku). Anatomical details — meticulous scales, sinuous whiskers, sharp claws, and a fierce, magnetically piercing gaze — express the primordial power of the mythical creature, a symbol of protection, strength, and good fortune.

The painting very likely retains its original late Edo mounting (hyōso), having never undergone modern remounting. Consequently, the artifact shows evident and fascinating signs of its age that certify its absolute historicality and authenticity. The support fabric shows evident and widespread structural damage consistent with age. There are insect holes, partial fabric detachment along the edges and perimeter structure, and old signs of conservative restoration.

Overall dimensions: 184 x 55.7 cm ＊the width includes the ends of the roller.
Dimensions of the painting itself: 100.9 x 39.6 cm
Weight: 800 g

Material: silk
Technique: Hand-painted
Roller tips: ox bone
Includes the kiri-bako wooden box for preservation.

*Condition
Old objects naturally show creases, stains, damage, and other changes consistent with age.
*Special notes: MANY STAINS, CREASES, DAMAGE, CREASE ON THE PAINTED SURFACE, INSECT HOLES, DEFORMATIONS, DAMAGE TO MOUNTING, STAINS ON THE BACK OF THE MOUNTING.

*Cautious condition, shows evident signs of wear from use and long exposure; handle with extreme care.

*Before making offers, I would like you to refer to the photos in the listing, but please understand that it is difficult to show all conditions through the photos.

The article will be carefully packaged and shipped.
*NOTE: the item is shipped only to European Union member countries; we do not ship to countries outside Europe and outside the EU."