<b>AUTUMN MAPLE</b> / Chiura Obata20th Century$1,500</em>
ARTIST: Chiura Obata (1885-1975)
TITLE: Autumn Maple
MEDIUM: Sumi and mineral pigment on paper
DATE: 20th century
DIMENSIONS: 20 ¾ x 15 ½ inches
CONDITION: Small crease at top left corner; light creasing to paper at edge; small tear at right margin
NOTE: Signed and sealed at top right
PROVENANCE: Purchased from Obata’s next-door neighbor in Berkeley CA
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$1,500.00
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Details
A single branch descends and occupies Obata’s composition. Appearing delicate, much like a string of pearls, the branch is adorned with a grouping of maple leaves. The smattering of crimson across their complexion reveals the coming fall.
This deceivingly simple composition is a striking example of a master at work. With a single branch, Obata delivers the forest and reveals the cycles of the season. With this branch, the seemingly random spacing of leaves becomes a metaphor for Natural Law—the phenomena of nature itself at play. Perhaps the singularity of the subject points to a larger meaning, linking the work to Japanese Zenga painting. We are left with a vision of beauty as much as a koan, or riddle. How can a mere maple branch point The Way? Because The Way is none other than the branch itself.
Connoisseur's Note
This painting was acquired from Obata’s next-door neighbor in Berkeley, California. Not unusual, Obata was quite generous with his artwork and often gifted his original work to friends, students, and neighbors.
