Japanese Art Auction MEGURU Vol.23 -MAIN SALE-

Kashima Art Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Kashima Arts) is proud to present the prestigious Japanese Art Auction MEGURU Vol.23 -MAIN SALE- from August 23 (Sat) to August 31 (Sun), 2025.

　
Launched in 2019, the Japanese Art Auction MEGURU specializes in Japanese art, ranging from Edo and modern Japanese paintings to Western paintings, calligraphy, and crafts. It showcases works from across Japan to art enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.

　
The -MAIN SALE-, which began with Vol.15 two years ago, is a special annual auction where only carefully selected, premium pieces are offered. Among them, Vol.23 will feature the most impressive lineup in the history of the auction, both in terms of the quality and rarity of the works.

　
This exhibition will feature masterpieces of Japanese painting from Edo period artists such as Ito Jakuchu, Maruyama Okyo, Yosa Buson, Katsushika Hokusai, and Sakai Hoitsu to modern and contemporary masters such as Yokoyama Taikan, Hishida Shunso, Uemura Shoen, Kaburaki Kiyokata, Hayami Gyoshu, and Senju Hiroshi, as well as “kawaii” (cute) ink paintings by Tokugawa Iemitsu and Sengai Gibon, and masterpieces by leading modern Western artists such as Yasui Sotaro, Kazuki Yasuo, and Matsumoto Shunsuke. Furthermore, the exhibition will bring together a variety of exceptional artworks, including rare and rarely seen works such as a landscape painting from the final years of author Natsume Soseki formerly owned by his personal physician, the renowned ancient calligraphy masterpiece attributed to Emperor Shomu, the "Hinogire (Segment of the Senzai Wakashu)" on which Fujiwara no Toshinari transcribed his own waka poems, and the exquisitely crafted "Iris" by the enigmatic ivory carver Ando Ryokuzan.

More information at official website

https://meguru-auction.jp/mem_top

　　《Mendicant Monks》　《Rooster beneath Bean Vines》

Ito Jakuchu

This year’s -MAIN SALE- will feature nine works by Ito Jakuchu. Among them, "Rooster beneath Bean Vines" was previously exhibited in the Kyoto National

Museum’s special exhibition commemorating the 200th anniversary of Jakuchu’s death, “Jakuchu!” The figure of the rooster, radiating energy and excitement, is rendered in a unique composition, with each feather meticulously depicted through

delicate line work.

Additionally, “Mendicant Monks” highlights Jakuchu’s characteristically ingenious composition. The gentle, slightly humorous expressions of each monk

are sure to warm the viewer’s heart. Other works by Jakuchu in the sale feature rare and charming subjects such as puppies, an eagle, shrimp, turtles, and a dove.

《Spring Light》

Uemura Shoen

“Spring Light” is a masterpiece painted by Uemura Shoen in her later years. This work crystallizes the ideal beauty that Shoen pursued, depicting an elegant woman bathed in gentle spring light. The brushwork, delicately rendering everything from the woman's expression to her attire, conveys a serene beauty and refined emotion that deeply moves the viewer. This masterpiece offers a glimpse into the pinnacle of Shoen's artistic career. She was the first woman to receive the Order of Culture and remained true to her own aesthetic sensibilities throughout her life.

《Glittering Sea, from "The Seto Inland Sea Series"》

Yoshida Hiroshi

Yoshida Hiroshi’s representative work, “Glittering Sea”, was produced in 1926 as the first piece in his "Seto Inland Sea Series." It marks the early period when he began to avidly pursue woodblock printing. The work depicts a sailboat floating peacefully on the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, with a single ray of light sparkling on the surface.

The use of chisel engravings creates a dazzling reflection that captivates the viewer. Yoshida’s keen observational skills, refined through extensive training in Western-style painting and watercolor, breathed new life into the traditional art of woodblock printing.

This masterpiece is also notable for having been displayed at Kensington Palace by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

《Horned Owl》　　《Kushibussho (Zen Koan)》

Charming Japanese paintings

Tokugawa Iemitsu’s “Horned Owl” and Sengai Gibon’s “Kushibussho (Zen Koan)” are among the most striking works in the -MAIN SALE-, distinguished by their humorous, relaxed, and charming forms. Both are representative of each artist’s unique style and are rare, valuable pieces that seldom appear on the market.

Departing from realism, these heartwarming animal depictions reveal the artist’s personality and inner world—such as Tokugawa Iemitsu’s playful spirit and Sengai’s Zen-inspired questioning. These masterpieces embody the profound depth of kawaii (cute) aesthetics in Japanese painting, a tradition that has captivated audiences across generations.

Starting from August 18th (Monday), all works will be available for viewing and bidding on the website!

Featured Artists

Old painting: Tokugawa Iemitsu, Ito Jakuchu, Soga Shohaku, Maruyama Okyo, Nagasawa Rosetsu, Yosa Buson, Sakai Hoitsu, Suzuki Kiitsu, Katsushika Hokusai, Teisai Hokuba, Kawanabe Kyosai, Watanabe Seitei　　　　

Shin-hanga: Yoshida Hiroshi, Kawase Hasui

Modern painting: Yokoyama Taikan, Hishida Shunso, Shimomura Kanzan, Saigo Kogetsu, Kimura Buzan, Uemura Shoen, Kaburaki Kiyokata, Ito Shinsui, Murakami Kagaku, Hayami Gyoshu, Senju Hiroshi

Western painting: Kumagai Morikazu, Yasui Sotaro, Migishi Setsuko, Kazuki Yasuo, Okamoto Taro, Matsumoto Shunsuke, Kusama Yayoi, Marc Chagall, Paul Aïzpiri

Calligraphy: Emperor Shomu, Hakuin Ekaku, Sengai Gibon, Saigo Nanshu, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Yanagi Muneyoshi, Natsume Soseki, Shinoda Toko

Mingei: Munakata Shiko, Kawai Kanjiro, Hamada Shoji

Crafts: Takamura Koun, Itaya Hazan, Ando Ryokuzan, Kitaoji Rosanjin, Arimoto Toshio, Kuroda Taizo, Lucie Rie

Three Key Points of Japanese Art Auction MEGURU Vol.23 -MAIN SALEPoint

Point1. No glass casings! View the works up close

Point2. Extended hours! Open until 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays

Point3. MEGURU Original bamboo fan! Free gift for guests