[ASAHI SANJIN]. 旭陽山人.

旭陽山人書画帖. [Asahi Sanjin shogachō].
[Asahi Sanjin's Sketch Book].

[Japan]. Showa 13 [ 1938]. Stock ID #219852

Sketch book, black and white original ink drawings with captions, ink writing, accordion style binding, 24 x 680cm, hand written title labels upper and lower covers. Silk at corners of covers worn with minor loss, occasional light foxing. A fascinating and poignant album.

This evocative album of forty-eight pen-and-ink sketches was created by a Japanese soldier stationed in northern China in 1938, the paintings are mainly of places in Jiangsu Province including Changzhou, Jiangyin and Shanghai, during Japan’s occupation. Each drawing is signed Asahi Sanjin and stamped with his personal seals, accompanied by a brief caption in his hand. Although an amateur artist, Asahi possessed a sensitive and observant eye, recording the towns, rivers, and landmarks he encountered along with scenes of his comrades marching, resting, or standing guard. On reverse, Asahi has copied historical accounts on the Hon'noji Incident where Oda Nobunaga was assassinated at Hon'noji by Akechi Mitsuhide in 1592.

Viewed through the distance of history, the album’s tranquil tone contrasts strikingly with the violence of the period. Asahi’s work offers a rare and personal record of a soldier’s experience during the Sino-Japanese War, providing insight into how individuals perceived their surroundings amid one of the most painful and complex chapters in modern East Asian history.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 219852.

Price: $2,500.00 AU

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