(attrib.) Tosa Mitsusuke, “Small Bird on a Flowering Plum Tree”, circa 1700

(Attributed to) Tosa Mitsusuke (土佐光祐) (1675–1710)—child of Tosa Hirochika—or an artist from his circle

The attribution to Tosa Mitsusuke is based on advice from the dealer from whom I originally purchased the painting many years ago, and the mention of this artist in a Google translation of the accompanying text.

Based on the measurement details given in the inscription at upper right (approximately 272.7 x 18.8 cm) this small painting may be a copy of a painting conforming to those proportions.

“Small Bird on a Flowering Plum Tree”, circa 1700

Technical Details & Condition:

Ink painting on fine washi paper, backed on what appears to be an early support sheet that is unevenly trimmed. The composition follows the tanzaku (短冊) format—a traditional narrow vertical shape originating in the Edo period (1603–1868). This format was often used for poetry, such as haiku, and designed for display on wooden house pillars to inspire reflection and hope.

The style of this painting exhibits refined touches characteristic of the Tosa school—most notably the precise, sensitively drawn outlines and the decorative flattening of forms.
The artwork remains reasonably unfaded for its age, and the sheet is in fair to good condition, free of tears, folds, or significant stains. However, the old mounting glue partly shines through on the front of the sheet, and the double layers of backing sheets are partially separating at the upper left corner.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 28.1x 19.6 cm
• Image borderline: 27.8 x 7.9 cm

Inscriptions at upper right:

• Medium: 絹本 (Silk on paper)
• Dimensions: Length nine shaku six sun, width six sun nine bu (approximately 272.7 x 18.8 cm)
• Artist's Title: Tosa Sho-goi Danjo Shochu Fujiwara Mitsuyoshi（土佐正五位弹正少忠藤原光芳）
• Year: Fire Monkey Year, Autumn

Price & Shipping:

AU$296 (approximately US$207.87 / €175.67 / £151.63), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this small, rare, and exceptionally beautiful painting—an exquisite example of early 18th-century Japanese art—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.