Guan Suizhou Brushwork,

Artist: Kwan Saishu

Title: "Fuji Surpassing the Dragon"

Period: Late Edo to Early Meiji Period

The distant view features Mount Fuji, with a dragon ascending through the clouds in the foreground. The lower part of the painting depicts waves, forming a traditional hanging scroll of Fuji and Dragon. Ink on paper, with the dragon portion rendered in gold and colored pigments.

The dimensions of the painting itself are 109.7 cm in height by 51.4 cm in width, and the overall dimensions including the mounting are 198.0 cm in height by 63.8 cm in width. The lower right of the painting bears the signature "On Demand / Saishu" and is stamped with a vermilion seal reading "Saishu," suggesting it is a work by the artist Kwan Saishu (1802-1875), who was active primarily in the Kansai region, centered around Osaka, from the late Edo to the Meiji period. Notable works by Kwan Saishu include the "Elephant Screen" (Keio 2, 1866) in the collection of the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts and the "Seven Lucky Gods" in the Osaka City Museum.

The condition is typical for hanging scrolls from the Edo-Meiji period. The painting shows signs of wear, peeling, and creases. It is suitable for hanging, though the hanging cord shows signs of age-related damage. It is presumed to have been hung for an extended period, with the overall mounting sun-faded, and the lower part of the wind bag less affected by sunlight. Additionally, the cap on one side of the scroll head (secured with screws) is prone to detachment.

Stored in a box (not a paulownia box), the box dimensions are 7.3 cm in height by 8.0 cm in width by 71.1 cm in length. The surface of the box lid bears the inscription "Fuji Surpassing the Dragon." Under the box lid, there is a red pen marking "Meiji Emperor's." A label on the small opening of the box reads "Paper / Fuji Surpassing the Dragon / (the following is illegible)."