Can anyone give me info on this picture?

[Alison2805]

Ive found this on the internet, which is being sold as a Japanese print. I use pictures like this as ideas for paintings - and because Im basically copying someone elses work, I like to put a blurb on the back saying where I got the pic from, who painted it and when, and what the pic is about. The origonal artist is "unknown" according to the website, but was labelled "shirakashiko".

So, can anyone tell me if this is indeed japenese (by the clothes etc), whether it is traditional clothing or simply a fantastic character, or even if it is a kabuki theatre character? Ive done a lot of online research and come up with blanks.

I dont need a hugely in-depth description, just some data so whoever ends up with the painting can have an idea of what its about.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i114/Alison2805/shirakashiko.gif

[ZealUK]

Looks Japanese. Could be based on something out of the Heian or Kamakura Jidai. Perhaps from the sword and eboshi she's wearing it could be Tomoe Gozen.

Is Shirakashiko the artists name?

[Alison2805]

I have no idea! Ive got other pics of Tomoe Gozen - not as delicate as this one, and usually depicting her as an archer. It would be awesome if this was of her!

[xvikingx]

My very amateur opinion....
It is Japanese in style. Because of the sword and clothing I'd say the character could be from anywhere between 1190 and 1580 (Kamakura to early/mid Sengoku). As for the actually date, origin, and authenticity of the painting I can't tell you. I can't zoom in on the script and seal in the bottom right corner but it is most likely the name of the artist. If it is Japanese the style of the script and seal may help narrowing down the date. Also the fact that there is only the character and no background or any other kind of stylization or script I find a little odd. That may be a clue to finding out more about your painting.

[Alison2805]

ooh, groovy! I dont particularly care if is not authentic - Im not buying the real thing. But having a time period is good - most artists seem to stick to the same themes.

Heres another one that appears to be by the same guy, if it helps:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i114/Alison2805/teodori.gif

Its titled "teodori".

[mingshi]

White jacket + red hakama, looks like temple girl, no?

[babayaga]

So, can anyone tell me if this is indeed japenese (by the clothes etc), whether it is traditional clothing or simply a fantastic character, or even if it is a kabuki theatre character? Ive done a lot of online research and come up with blanks.
(snip)
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i114/Alison2805/shirakashiko.gif

It's a Heian/Kamakura period court woman, dressed up as a man for a court dance. That is, she's doing a dance performance of some "long-ago" tale, and playing the part of a man. This was common at the time, for women to play men's roles, as opposed to what developed in Edo period where the situation reversed.

It looks like a fairly modern piece -- it's certainly not from the period it depicts. Where it from the period there would be less detail, more flow to the lines, and the woman herself would be more round.

-B

[babayaga]

ooh, groovy! I dont particularly care if is not authentic - Im not buying the real thing. But having a time period is good - most artists seem to stick to the same themes.

Heres another one that appears to be by the same guy, if it helps:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i114/Alison2805/teodori.gif

This one looks like it's depicting an Edo period courtesan. The hair style is later than Muromachi period. They didn't really start sticking in ornaments until Edo. But I'm less sure of this than the other, as Kamakura/Heian period is my concentration.

-B

[Alison2805]

Thats fantastic!! Thankyou!!

To me theres no point painting something if you dont know what it is. At least now I can find books covering art that depicts those periods and track down who it is.

Youve made my day.