Disguised Raccoon Dog 分福茶釜 Bunbuku Chagama with Original Box (Tomobako) - Kobayashi Ritsudo 小林立堂 (1903-1974) - Japan (No reserve price)
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€ 88
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Selected by Marion Oliviero
Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Good condition, a Japanese silk hanging scroll by Kobayashi Ritsudo (1903–1974) depicting Bunbuku Chagama with a disguising raccoon dog on a tea kettle, hand‑signed, with the original tomobako, and measuring 145.6 cm high by 37.8 cm wide.
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Description from the seller
小林立堂 Kobayashi Ritsudo (1903-1974)
Born in Tokyo in 1903. Studied under Kawasaki Shoko. Specialized in animals, figures, flowers, and birds. He died in 1974. He was 71 years old.
with signature and seal 'Ritsudo' 立堂
Bunbuku Chagama, literally "Bunbuku tea-kettle" is a Japanese folktale or fairy tale about a raccoon dog, or tanuki, that uses its shapeshifting powers to reward its rescuer for his kindness.
Kobayashi Ritsudo, a Tokyo-born painter who trained under Kawasaki Shōko and became known for his sensitive portrayals of animals and everyday scenes, captures here the gentle humor and warmth of the mythical tanuki—a raccoon dog capable of shapeshifting—perched atop a tea kettle as if caught midway through its magical disguise. Painted with soft gradations and delicate brushwork, the tanuki’s expressive face and rounded form evoke both innocence and mischief, making the scene instantly endearing. The subtle use of color enhances the whimsical atmosphere, while the generous empty space above the figure adds a classical elegance typical of modern Nihonga composition. The tale of Bunbuku Chagama, in which a grateful tanuki rewards its rescuer through its transformative abilities, has long been cherished in Japan. This artwork gently evokes that cultural memory, inviting viewers into a world where kindness and magic coexist. The scroll bears the artist’s signature and seal “Ritsudo,” and comes with its original wooden tomobako, also signed, adding further authenticity and charm for collectors of Japanese paintings and folklore-themed works.
小林立堂 Kobayashi Ritsudo (1903-1974) Japanese art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / Disguised Raccoon Dog 分福茶釜 Bunbuku Chagama with Original Box (Tomobako)
Whole dimensions: 14.8" W x 57.3" H / 37.8cm x 145.6cm
Inside dimensions: 9.7" W x 32.2" H / 24.7cm x 82cm
Material: Silk
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Plastic
Weight: 500g including Original Box (Tomobako)
Condition
Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: MANY STAIN, CREASE a little, DAMAGE a little, WARP, STAIN DAMAGE in the back of the mounting.
Shipping
"FREE SHIPPING" all over the world by Registered Airmail, EMS, or DHL.
Seller's Story
Reiwa Antiques is an officially licensed antique dealer based in Japan, offering a range of authentic Japanese antiques, including traditional paintings, exquisite calligraphy, and beautiful tea utensils. Our goal is to continue to provide you with a pleasant buying experience. As part of that, in order to reduce your VAT and Import Tax burden as much as possible, we offer free shipping. We have been dealing with overseas transactions for more than 10 years. Please be assured that we'll always pack your items carefully and do our best to deliver your items safely. The usual shipping methods are Registered Airmail, EMS (Postal expedited), or DHL. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
Yours cordially,
Reiwa Antiques
小林立堂 Kobayashi Ritsudo (1903-1974)
Born in Tokyo in 1903. Studied under Kawasaki Shoko. Specialized in animals, figures, flowers, and birds. He died in 1974. He was 71 years old.
with signature and seal 'Ritsudo' 立堂
Bunbuku Chagama, literally "Bunbuku tea-kettle" is a Japanese folktale or fairy tale about a raccoon dog, or tanuki, that uses its shapeshifting powers to reward its rescuer for his kindness.
Kobayashi Ritsudo, a Tokyo-born painter who trained under Kawasaki Shōko and became known for his sensitive portrayals of animals and everyday scenes, captures here the gentle humor and warmth of the mythical tanuki—a raccoon dog capable of shapeshifting—perched atop a tea kettle as if caught midway through its magical disguise. Painted with soft gradations and delicate brushwork, the tanuki’s expressive face and rounded form evoke both innocence and mischief, making the scene instantly endearing. The subtle use of color enhances the whimsical atmosphere, while the generous empty space above the figure adds a classical elegance typical of modern Nihonga composition. The tale of Bunbuku Chagama, in which a grateful tanuki rewards its rescuer through its transformative abilities, has long been cherished in Japan. This artwork gently evokes that cultural memory, inviting viewers into a world where kindness and magic coexist. The scroll bears the artist’s signature and seal “Ritsudo,” and comes with its original wooden tomobako, also signed, adding further authenticity and charm for collectors of Japanese paintings and folklore-themed works.
小林立堂 Kobayashi Ritsudo (1903-1974) Japanese art kakejiku kakemono wall hanging scroll / Disguised Raccoon Dog 分福茶釜 Bunbuku Chagama with Original Box (Tomobako)
Whole dimensions: 14.8" W x 57.3" H / 37.8cm x 145.6cm
Inside dimensions: 9.7" W x 32.2" H / 24.7cm x 82cm
Material: Silk
Technique: Handpainted
Roller ends: Plastic
Weight: 500g including Original Box (Tomobako)
Condition
Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: MANY STAIN, CREASE a little, DAMAGE a little, WARP, STAIN DAMAGE in the back of the mounting.
Shipping
"FREE SHIPPING" all over the world by Registered Airmail, EMS, or DHL.
Seller's Story
Reiwa Antiques is an officially licensed antique dealer based in Japan, offering a range of authentic Japanese antiques, including traditional paintings, exquisite calligraphy, and beautiful tea utensils. Our goal is to continue to provide you with a pleasant buying experience. As part of that, in order to reduce your VAT and Import Tax burden as much as possible, we offer free shipping. We have been dealing with overseas transactions for more than 10 years. Please be assured that we'll always pack your items carefully and do our best to deliver your items safely. The usual shipping methods are Registered Airmail, EMS (Postal expedited), or DHL. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
Yours cordially,
Reiwa Antiques
Details
Artist
Kobayashi Ritsudo 小林立堂 (1903-1974)
Sold by
Gallery
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Disguised Raccoon Dog 分福茶釜 Bunbuku Chagama with Original Box (Tomobako)
Signature
Hand signed
Country of Origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition
Height
145.6 cm
Width
37.8 cm
Weight
500 g
Depiction/Theme
Animals and wildlife
Style
Classical
Period
1940-1950
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