Pair of Dragons in Clouds by Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa

Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa
b. 1938 | Japanese

Pair of Dragons in Clouds

Signed, lower left and right
Ink on paper, framed in Jindai cedar

Crafted by the esteemed Morihiro Hosokawa, the 79th Prime Minister of Japan and 18th-generation head of the historic Hosokawa clan, this pair of dragon paintings is a stunning testament to Japan's rich artistic tradition. After retiring from politics, Hosokawa dedicated himself to the arts, and these works represent the pinnacle of his mastery. Depicting the mythical dragon protector, a revered symbol in Japanese culture, the paintings embody the ancient “A-Un” concept, a harmonious motif that wards off evil spirits.

Hosokawa’s dragons exude a fierce elegance, their faces and talons emerging from the inky mist with dynamic energy. One dragon, mouth open in the “A” sound, is perfectly balanced by the second dragon, mouth closed in the “Un” sound. This delicate balance between opposing forces is a hallmark of traditional Japanese artistry. The fine ink work melds seamlessly with the atmospheric background, creating a sense of movement and mysticism. Further enhancing the composition is the remarkable frame, crafted from Jindai cedar, a precious wood naturally darkened after being buried underground for over 1,000 years.

Recently, Hosokawa painted and dedicated monumental fusuma-e (sliding-door) paintings of dragons at the storied Ryoanji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan. The site of Japan's most famous rock garden, Ryoanji thrived as a great Zen center for the cultural activities of the elite from the late 16th through the first half of the 17th century under the patronage of the Hosokawa family—the very dynasty from which the former Prime Minister descended. Covering 40 sliding doors, the epic “Unryuzu” work features powerful brush strokes to depict nine dragons and the lifespan of the mythical creatures.

Now in his late 80s, Hosokawa continues to create art, experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques to create large-scale works. Further examples of Hosokawa's works are in museum collections, including The Five Colleges and Historic Deerfield Museum Consortium, Western Massachusetts and The Portland Art Museum, Oregon.

Each Canvas: 23 1/4" high x 35 1/4" wide (59.06 x 89.54 cm)
Frame: 27 1/8" high x 39 1/8" wide x 2 1/8" deep (68.90 x 99.39 x 5.40 cm)

Provenance:
Private collection, Japan
M.S. Rau, New Orleans