The Kura - Japanese Art Treasures

Robert Mangold has been working with Japanese antiques since 1995 with an emphasis on ceramics, Paintings, Armour and Buddhist furniture.

Meiji Zenga Skull Painting by Swordsman Yamaoka Tesshu


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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1900: Item # 1058067

Please refer to our stock # ALR2887 when inquiring.
The Kura
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
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Ink on paper image of a skull befitting one of the most well known and outspoken Samurai/swordsmen of the 19th century, Yamaoka Tesshu, remounted in an olive grey border patterned with vines with wood rollers. The scroll measures 15 x 75 inches (37.5 x 190 cm) and is in fine condition but for some minor staining below the signature.
Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1889) was a student of military arts and famous calligrapher. Born into a samurai family, Tesshu began studying swordsmanship from a very young age. He took the name Yamaoka upon marrying the daughter of a spear school, continuing the family name in their place. An avid devotee to Zen training, he attained enlightenment at 45. A compatriot of the infamous Zen priest Nakahara Nantenbo, the two established a Zen training center together. He was a bodyguard and teacher to the young Meiji emperor, Zen teacher, poet, swordsman and artist, a giant of a man containing all of these personalities (or perhaps none?) He died of stomach cancer at the age of 54, his last poem reading Tightening my stomach against the pain, The cry of a morning crow…