Shigeaki Kuromitsu - Chinese Bellflower (桔梗)
Shigeaki Kuromitsu - Chinese Bellflower (桔梗)
| Artist | Shigeaki Kuromitsu (Japan, b. 1946) |
| Year | 1983 |
| Medium | Painting |
| Materials | Mineral and water-based pigments on Japanese paper |
| Classification | Unique |
| Size | (H)22.7cm, (W)15.7cm |
| Framed Size | (H)42.3cm, (W)35.3cm, (D)5.0cm |
| Signature | Signed Shigeaki in ink with red artist's seal at lower left; matching paper label with title and signature affixed to frame reverse. |
A small-format Nihonga (Japanese-style) painting by Kyoto-born artist Shigeaki Kuromitsu, depicting a single deep-indigo Chinese bellflower (Kikyo, Platycodon grandiflorus) in full bloom accompanied by emerging buds and slender leaves. Executed in November 1983 using traditional mineral pigments on Japanese paper, the work captures one of the classic seven autumn flowers of Japanese tradition with a delicate, contemplative sensibility. The luminous indigo bloom is set against a softly toned silver-grey ground, evoking a quiet seasonal stillness. Signed at lower left with the artist's brush-written name 'Shigeaki' and an accompanying red seal in seal script. The painting retains its original gilt frame and is accompanied by an outer storage box bearing the artist's pencil inscription confirming the title, date (Showa 58.11 / November 1983) and original studio price.