Kiyoshi 清——从翻涌的风暴云中腾现的龙——日本丝绸挂轴原作手绘 - 纸, 真丝, 木 - Kiyoshi 清 - 日本 - 20世纪

AI Visualisation Notice:

Any AI Visualisations included in this listing are clearly marked. Please refer to the original photographs for the actual object condition, colour, details and size.

清义清 – Ryū no Zu (龍之圖) – Dragon Emerging from Swirling Storm Clouds – Original Hand-Painted Japanese Silk Hanging Scroll with Inscribed Wooden Box

A Dramatic Japanese Dragon Painting with Expressive Ink Work

This impressive Japanese hanging scroll depicts a powerful celestial dragon emerging from swirling storm clouds, rendered in expressive ink and delicate colours on silk.

The dragon's fierce face, golden eyes, sharp claws and flowing whiskers appear through dark, spiralling clouds, creating a dramatic sense of movement and supernatural energy.

The painting bears a signature interpreted as Kiyoshi (清), accompanied by a red artist's seal. It is presented with a traditional wooden storage box bearing matching inscriptions and a red seal.

A Celestial Dragon Among the Storm Clouds

The dragon is depicted with a striking blue-green face, expressive golden eyes, sharp horns and elegantly flowing white whiskers.

Its serpentine body appears and disappears through swirling clouds, with finely detailed scales and powerful claws emerging from the atmospheric composition.

A golden orb floats near the dragon's head, recalling the sacred jewel often associated with dragons in traditional East Asian art.

The artist has used dramatic gradations of black and grey ink to create the surrounding storm clouds, with distinctive spiral formations suggesting powerful currents of wind and supernatural movement.

The subtle blue, turquoise, gold and white details contrast beautifully against the monochromatic background.

The combination of dynamic brushwork and carefully rendered details gives the composition a particularly powerful visual presence.

Symbolism of the Dragon in Japanese Art

The Japanese dragon (Ryū / 龍) is traditionally associated with strength, wisdom, good fortune, protection and control over water and rainfall.

Unlike the destructive dragons sometimes depicted in Western mythology, Japanese dragons are frequently regarded as auspicious beings connected with natural forces and spiritual protection.

Dragons emerging from clouds are an important subject in traditional Japanese painting, symbolising supernatural power and the forces of nature.

The golden orb in this composition may be interpreted as a sacred jewel, traditionally associated with spiritual wisdom and the fulfilment of wishes.

These symbolic associations make dragon paintings especially appealing for traditional Japanese interiors, tokonoma displays and collections of Asian art.

Artist's Signature and Traditional Wooden Box

The painting bears a handwritten signature interpreted as Kiyoshi (清), followed by the character 作, meaning "painted by" or "made by."

A red artist's seal is positioned beneath the signature.

The wooden storage box bears the handwritten title "龍之圖" (Ryū no Zu), meaning "Picture of a Dragon."

Inside the box is another handwritten artist's inscription, also interpreted as 清作, accompanied by a red seal resembling the seal on the painting.

These corresponding inscriptions and seals strongly suggest that the wooden box was prepared specifically for this artwork and may be its original artist-inscribed storage box (tomobako / 共箱).

The artist's complete identity and biographical details have not been independently established.

Traditional Japanese Hanging Scroll

The painting is mounted in the traditional Japanese kakejiku format, featuring an elegant gold-toned brocade mounting decorated with delicate floral patterns.

The restrained mounting complements the dramatic grey ink painting and its subtle blue and gold highlights.

With an overall height of approximately 186 cm, the hanging scroll provides an impressive decorative presence, suitable for traditional Japanese interiors, private art collections and contemporary spaces featuring Asian art.

Object Details

Object: Japanese Hanging Scroll (Kakejiku / 掛軸)

Title: Ryū no Zu (龍之圖) – Dragon

Artist: Kiyoshi (清), signature interpretation

Origin: Japan

Period: 20th century, probably Shōwa period (1926–1989)

Style: Traditional Japanese Painting / Nihonga

Technique: Original hand-painted ink and colour on silk

Subject: Celestial Dragon, Storm Clouds and Golden Orb

Signature: Signed and sealed

Mounting: Traditional Japanese textile mounting with gold-coloured floral patterns

Box: Artist-inscribed wooden storage box, believed to be the original tomobako

Dimensions

Overall Hanging Scroll:
Height: 186 cm (73.23 inches)
Width: 53 cm (20.87 inches)

Painting:
Height: 105 cm (41.34 inches)
Width: 40 cm (15.75 inches)

Included

One original hand-painted Japanese hanging scroll and one inscribed wooden storage box.

Condition

The painting is in good overall vintage condition, with minor age-related surface marks, slight discolouration and natural signs of previous use.

The dragon composition remains clearly visible, preserving its expressive ink work and delicate coloured details.

The textile mounting shows some natural ageing and minor signs of handling.

The wooden storage box shows age-related surface wear, with the handwritten title, artist's inscription and red seal remaining visible.

Please carefully examine all original photographs for the actual condition, colours and details.

Shipping

The item is planned to be shipped by FedEx, DHL, or Japan Post depending on the item, destination country and region. Any customs duties, import taxes or customs clearance charges are the responsibility of the buyer.