Art Forgotten · Huang Goodman

Art from public museum collections. A mismatched real Japanese law, and some other factoids.

Every object, image and description comes from the museum's own catalogue record, and every object links to its original. Japanese records are machine-translated into English; the museum's Japanese is kept beside the translation because it is the authoritative form. Each law carries its official number and links to e-Gov 法令検索, the Japanese government's statute database.

{書画貼交屏風 · 京都国立博物館 Kyoto National Museum · 江戸時代 / Edo · Japan Search · 国立国会図書館}

Calligraphy and Picture Scrolls Screen paintings are an essential element of traditional Japanese art. This catalog presents a collection of calligraphy and picture scrolls. Each work is a unique creation, harmoniously blending the beauty of brushwork and the art of painting. The calligraphy pieces showcase the mastery of the artist's hand. Each character is meticulously crafted, revealing the artist's personality and intent. The ink and brush strokes tell a story, conveying emotions and ideas in a powerful and evocative way. The picture scrolls demonstrate the versatility and depth of Japanese painting. From landscapes to figurative works, each scroll transports the viewer to another world. The intricate brushwork and delicate use of color capture the essence of the subject matter, inviting contemplation and reflection. These calligraphy and picture scrolls provide a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of Japanese art. Through their timeless beauty, they continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

This item is from the Kinai Yasuguchi family tradition. It was donated to the Kyoto Museum of Fine Arts in the Showa fifteen year (around 1930). A cat figure is depicted on the lower left, with blood spatter visible nearby.

近江屋井口家伝来品。昭和十五年に恩賜京都博物館に寄贈された。左下の猫図付近に血液の飛沫が見られる。

View the original at Japan Search →

The law

古物営業法

Antique Dealings Act

昭和二十四年法律第百八号 · Act No. 108 of 1949

Article 1 states the purpose plainly: prevent trade in stolen goods, find them quickly, and speed the recovery of victims. Article 2 then defines a used article to include, in the same breath, art objects held for appreciation. Dealing in them requires a licence.

The cool part. Article 16 requires a dealer to record every transaction: the date, the item and quantity, its distinguishing features, and the address, name, occupation and age of the other party. Article 15 requires that a dealer who suspects an item is stolen report it to a police officer immediately. So the antique trade runs on a register the police may read, and a painting becomes a second-hand article the moment it has been used once.

Verify at e-Gov 法令検索 →

Use it Take the ratio, not the picture. It sets a page better than a grid does.

Description source: museum curator text, translated — not generated