Indigo-Dyed Hanging Scroll 'Four Seasons (四季)' by Higeta Hiroshi (日下田博) Prefectural Intangible - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

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【Product details】

This Showa period hanging scroll is a work of indigo-dye artist Higeta Hiroshi (1909–2003), based in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. Higeta was designated as a Tochigi Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property Holder in Craft Techniques (Cotton Dyeing) and was known for his deep involvement in Japan’s Mingei folk-art movement. As the 8th-generation head of the Higeta Indigo Workshop, he created hand-dyed artworks using traditional Awa indigo and natural materials.

The piece is executed in ai-zome kata-ezome, a stencil-dyeing technique that produces the rich, layered blue known internationally as “Japan Blue.” The design features four circular medallions arranged vertically, each depicting one of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—with the seasonal kanji boldly integrated into the compositions like decorative character-pictures.

Spring includes butterflies, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, dandelions, and peonies.
Summer shows morning glories, dragonflies, and other seasonal plants.
Autumn features persimmons, chestnuts, acorns, pampas grass, dragonflies, and chrysanthemums.
Winter includes pine, bamboo, plum, and flowing water motifs.

The scroll is mounted on cotton, with ceramic roller ends. The wooden tomobako storage box is inscribed with the title and bears the artist’s signature and seal. An additional seal appears on the reverse of the scroll.

Wear consistent with age is visible, including rubbing, discolouration, stains, and minor foxing. The wooden box shows light staining. Please refer to the photos for details.

Overall Dimensions excluding Roll End: approx. H 183 cm W 48.5 cm
Dimensions of Art: approx. H 124 cm W 35 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!