This exquisite hand-painted artwork originates from Japan, dating to the early Showa period (1926–1940), and represents a sophisticated design sheet for a traditional sliding door or fusuma. Measuring approximately 11 inches by 13 inches (28 cm x 33 cm), the piece is meticulously rendered on a silk canvas front with a protective paper backing. The artwork remains in very good condition, showcasing a masterful combination of ink wash and delicate mineral pigments that evoke a sense of rural nostalgia.
The visual narrative centers on a tranquil waterwheel attached to a traditional thatched-roof cottage, partially obscured by a lush grove of trees. In the foreground, a prominent, gnarled pine tree anchors the left side of the composition, its needles highlighted with subtle touches of blue-green pigment. The rolling hills in the lower right are painted with earthy tones and fine, shimmering gold lines, while a distant mountain peak rises softly through the mist in the upper right. The presence of a red artist’s seal on the right side of the silk confirms its provenance as a professional studio original. The entire scene is set against a shimmering, natural silk ground, featuring a light application of gold speckling (sunago) at the base to represent sunlit earth or morning dew.