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.

{鼠蒔絵印籠 · 紐通し脇朱漆銘「塩見政誠」 · 江戸時代・19世紀 / Edo period, 19th century · Japan Search · 国立国会図書館}

Mouse-drawn Picture Scrolls This catalogue introduces a collection of unique artworks, each painstakingly created using a traditional Japanese technique called "mouse-drawn pictures." In this method, artists utilize live mice to draw intricate patterns and designs on scrolls. The mice are guided by the artists' hands, which hold thin brushes dipped in ink. The unpredictable movements of the mice result in one-of-a-kind, organic patterns and shapes. These scrolls are not only a testament to the artists' skill and patience but also to the rich cultural history of Japan. The practice of using live animals to create art dates back centuries, with various techniques and approaches evolving over time. Despite the challenges and limitations, artists continue to explore this unique medium, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with a humble mouse and a brush. In this catalog, readers will discover the intricacies of the mouse-drawn picture technique, as well as the stories behind the artists and their creations. Each scroll is a living work of art, a testament to the natural world and the ingenuity of the human spirit. This collection represents a rare opportunity to explore the fascinating world of mouse-drawn pictures, offering viewers a glimpse into the depths of Japanese artistic tradition. We invite you to delve into the captivating world of these scrolls, to appreciate the beauty and wonder that lies within. · Rope-threaded side with lacquer seal: "Salt-viewing Political Sincerity

The inrō were originally portable containers for storing medicine, but from the Edo period onwards, they were primarily used as accessories. These inrō are notable works of the Edo period painting master, Salt-seller Kobayashi Masanori. Their bold design of alternating mice and the meticulous depiction of each hair strand in the painting make them particularly memorable pieces. [Ruby: Shiomimasanari]

印籠は、薬などを入れる携帯用の容器でしたが、江戸時代の中ごろからは主に装身具として用いられました。これらの印籠は江戸中期の蒔絵師、塩見政誠の作品で、鼠を表裏連続して配した大胆な構図と、毛の一本一本まで蒔絵であらわした精緻な表現が印象的な作品です。ルビ：しおみまさなり

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 A motif small enough to blind-deboss, which is where restraint actually shows.

Description source: museum curator text, translated — not generated